The Attachment Theory Explanation

12 Key excerpts on "The Attachment Theory Explanation"

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  Handbook of Theories of Social Psychology

  Volume Two

  • Paul A M Van Lange, Arie W Kruglanski, E Tory Higgins, Paul A M Van Lange, Arie W Kruglanski, E Tory Higgins, Author(Authors)
  • 2011(Publication Date)
  • SAGE Publications Ltd

    (Publisher)

  The theory deals with close relationships and their psychological foundations and consequences. It integrates insights from psychoanalytic theory; primate ethology; cognitive developmental and social cognitive psychology; theories of stress and coping; and contemporary research on per-sonality development, affect regulation, and relational interdependence. The chapter begins with an account of the origins of attachment theory during the 1960s and 1970s in the work of John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth. We then explain how the two of us became involved with extensions of the theory in the 1980s. Next, we describe the theory itself in some detail, placing spe-cial emphasis on our version of it, which began in the work of Hazan and Shaver (1987). This version of the theory is designed for and influenced by contemporary social psychologists. We show how attachment security, grounded in responsive, supportive relationships, plays a role in personal and social issues of interest to personality-social ATTACHMENT THEORY 161 psychologists, issues such as self-esteem, person perception, interpersonal behavior, exploration and achievement, and prosocial behavior and intergroup relations. We then consider the darker side of attachment rela-tionships, which includes the defenses and personal and relational difficulties that stem from attachment insecurities. We conclude with a brief discussion of connections between attachment theory and other social psychologi-cal theories and a brief consideration of appli-cations of attachment theory and research. THE ORIGINS OF ATTACHMENT THEORY Attachment theory was originally proposed by John Bowlby, a British psychoanalyst, and was then strengthened by the theoretical, psy-chometric, and empirical contributions of Mary Ainsworth, an American developmental psychologist.

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  Different Faces of Attachment

  Cultural Variations on a Universal Human Need

  • Hiltrud Otto, Heidi Keller(Authors)
  • 2014(Publication Date)
  • Cambridge University Press

    (Publisher)

  Introduction: understanding relationships – what we would need to know to conceptualize attachment as the cultural solution of a universal developmental task Heidi Keller The definition of attachment as a primary bond between infants and caregivers emerging at around 1 year of age as an evolved adaptation for ensuring survival and development was the seminal contribution of the British psychiatrist and psychoanalyst John Bowlby and his (later) Canadian-American counterpart Mary Ainsworth (Ainsworth, Blehar, Waters et al., 1978; Bowlby, 1969). Attachment theory has initiated a tremendous body of research over the last decades, particularly expand- ing its focus on neurophysiological regulations, and extending it to adult- hood and clinical applications. Nevertheless, the theoretical and method- ological foundations have remained amazingly unaffected, although the basis of knowledge concerning the infant’s socioemotional development has increased substantially since the publication of Bowlby’s well-known trilogy Attachment and Loss and Ainsworth and collaborators’ summary of their empirical research on the emergence of attachment during the first year of life (1978). The first encompassing proposal for the refine- ment of conceptual and methodological issues of attachment theory and research was published by Michael Lamb and collaborators in 1984 in the renowned journal Behavioral and Brain Sciences – though without any observable notice by other attachment researchers. Attachment theory is grounded in evolutionary theory with its basic tenet that every human characteristic is shaped through selection pro- cesses and represents an adaptation to contextual demands. Bowlby stressed explicitly the contextual nature of attachment in his early writ- ings.

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  Attachment and Interaction

  From Bowlby to Current Clinical Theory and Practice Second Edition

  • Mario Marrone(Author)
  • 2014(Publication Date)
  • Jessica Kingsley Publishers

    (Publisher)

  CHAPTER 2 Attachment Theory Introduction Bowlby said in 1977:

  What for convenience I am terming attachment theory is a way of conceptualizing the propensity of human beings to make strong affectional bonds to particular others and of explaining the many forms of emotional distress and personality disturbance, including anxiety, anger, depression and emotional detachment, to which unwilling separation and loss give rise.

  In the above paragraph we can see that Bowlby defined attachment theory as a body of explanations. Furthermore, these explanations are essentially concerned with two issues: (1) explaining why human beings tend to make strong, selective and durable bonds; and (2) explaining how the disruption or threats of disruption of these bonds can cause painful emotions and, ultimately, psychopathology.

  Therefore, Bowlby’s initial position reflected three main concerns: to amend psychoanalytic theory in the light of new discoveries, to view psychopathology in a developmental context, and to place intimate relationships at the centre of developmental psychology.

  Bowlby added:

  Advocates of attachment theory argue that many forms of psychiatric disturbance can be attributed either to deviations in the development of attachment behaviour or, more rarely, to failure of its development; and also that the theory casts light on both the origin and the treatment of these conditions.

  Why a new theory?

  Attachment theory was formulated in order to explain observed facts in a way which was more coherent with what was observed. The subjects of observation are the most common features of everyday life: the formation, renewal and loss of emotional ties with specific people and the emotions that emerge in the course of these events.

  Although such processes were observed and explained by psychiatrists, psychologists and psychoanalysts, Bowlby came to the conclusion that existing theories did not strike the right chord. More than any other branch of medicine or psychology, psychoanalysis concerned itself with the study of emotional life and relationships. Yet the over-riding importance of primary attachment relationships was overshadowed by theories that put sexuality and a hypothetical ‘death instinct’ at the very centre of human motivation.

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  Introduction to Attachment Theory, An

  • (Author)
  • 2014(Publication Date)
  • The English Press

    (Publisher)

  These behaviours may have evolved because they increase the probability of survival of the child. Research by developmental psychologist Mary Ainsworth in the 1960s and 70s under-pinned the basic concepts, introduced the concept of the secure base and developed a theory of a number of attachment patterns in infants: secure attachment, avoidant attach-ment and anxious attachment. A fourth pattern, disorganized attachment, was identified later. In the 1980s, the theory was extended to attachment in adults. Other interactions may be construed as including components of attachment behaviour; these include peer relationships at all ages, romantic and sexual attraction and responses to the care needs of infants or the sick and elderly. To formulate a comprehensive theory of the nature of early attachments, Bowlby explored a range of fields, including evolutionary biology, object relations theory (a branch of psychoanalysis), control systems theory, and the fields of ethology and cognitive psychology. After preliminary papers from 1958 onwards, Bowlby published the full theory in the trilogy Attachment and Loss (1969–82). In the early days of the theory, academic psychologists criticized Bowlby, and the psychoanalytic community ostracised him for his departure from psychoanalytical tenets; however, attachment theory has since become the dominant approach to understanding early social development, and has given rise to a great surge of empirical research into the formation of children's close relationships. Later criticisms of attachment theory relate to temperament, the complexity of social relationships, and the limitations of discrete patterns for classifications. Attachment theory has been significantly modified as a result of empirical research, but the concepts have become generally accepted.

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  Psychological Theories

  • (Author)
  • 2014(Publication Date)
  • College Publishing House

    (Publisher)

  A fourth pattern, disorganized attachment, was identified later. In the 1980s, the theory was extended to attachment in adults. Other interactions may be construed as including components of attachment behaviour; these include peer relationships at all ages, romantic and sexual attraction and responses to the care needs of infants or the sick and elderly. In the early days of the theory, academic psychologists criticized Bowlby, and the psych-oanalytic community ostracised him for his departure from psychoanalytical tenets; however, attachment theory has since become the dominant approach to understanding early social development, and has given rise to a great surge of empirical research into the formation of children's close relationships. Later criticisms of attachment theory relate to temperament, the complexity of social relationships, and the limitations of discrete patterns for classifications. Attachment theory has been significantly modified as a result of empirical research, but the concepts have become generally accepted. Attachment theory has formed the basis of new therapies and informed existing ones, and its concepts have been used in the formulation of social and childcare policies to support the early attachment relationships of children. ______________________________ WORLD TECHNOLOGIES ______________________________ Attachment Although it is usual for the mother to be the primary attachment figure, infants will form attachments to any caregiver who is sensitive and responsive in social interactions with them. Within attachment theory, attachment means an affectional bond or tie between an individual and an attachment figure (usually a caregiver). Such bonds may be reciprocal between two adults, but between a child and a caregiver these bonds are based on the child's need for safety, security and protection, paramount in infancy and childhood.

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  Development Psychology

  • (Author)
  • 2014(Publication Date)
  • The English Press

    (Publisher)

  These behaviours may have evolved because they increase the probability of survival of the child. Research by developmental psychologist Mary Ainsworth in the 1960s and 70s underpinned the basic concepts, introduced the concept of the secure base and developed a theory of a number of attachment patterns in infants: secure attachment, avoidant attachment and anxious attachment. A fourth pattern, disorganized attachment, was identified later. In the 1980s, the theory was extended to attachment in adults. Other interactions may be construed as including components of attachment behaviour; these include peer relationships at all ages, romantic and sexual attraction and responses to the care needs of infants or the sick and elderly. ________________________ WORLD TECHNOLOGIES ________________________ To formulate a comprehensive theory of the nature of early attachments, Bowlby explored a range of fields, including evolutionary biology, object relations theory (a branch of psychoanalysis), control systems theory, and the fields of ethology and cognitive psychology. After preliminary papers from 1958 onwards, Bowlby published the full theory in the trilogy Attachment and Loss (1969–82). In the early days of the theory, academic psychologists criticized Bowlby, and the psychoanalytic community ostracised him for his departure from psychoanalytical tenets; however, attachment theory has since become the dominant approach to understanding early social development, and has given rise to a great surge of empirical research into the formation of children's close relationships. Later criticisms of attachment theory relate to temperament, the complexity of social relationships, and the limitations of discrete patterns for classifications. Attachment theory has been significantly modified as a result of empirical research, but the concepts have become generally accepted.

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  Engaging with Fathers

  Practice Issues for Health and Social Care

  • Julie Taylor, Brigid Daniel(Authors)
  • 2001(Publication Date)
  • Jessica Kingsley Publishers

    (Publisher)

  Chapter 3 Attachment Introduction In this chapter we consider the relevance of attachment theory for working with fathers. In the first part we give an overview of the main components of attachment from the perspectives of the child and the parent. In the second part of the chapter we explore the practice impli-cations of these issues in detail and set out a framework for intervention with fathers based upon attachment theory. Attachment theory focuses on the primacy of early attachment rela-tionships for physical and emotional well-being. It is used both to understand problems in the parent–child relationship and to guide practice (Fahlberg 1991). For example, if a child is showing challeng-ing behaviour, the theory may suggest that the child’s attachment to the main carer is insecure. After close attention to the carer–child interac-tions a health visitor may make specific suggestions aimed at helping the caretaker to foster more secure attachments. Unfortunately, attachment theory has a poor historical record with regard to fathers. The early writings of Bowlby (1951) concentrated on the role of the mother as the primary caretaker and the vast majority of empirical and observational studies have been of mother–child dyads. Although this view has since been challenged (Rutter 1981), the notion of the importance of attachment to the mother has been tenacious, both in general society and specifically within the child care professions. Also, although there have been some cross-cultural studies, the majority of the detailed empirical work has been with white, nuclear families. Attachment theory has been refined and developed to incorporate the potential not only for primary attachment to the father, but for there to be multiple attachment figures (Schaffer 1996; Schaffer and Emerson 1964). That different ethnic groups may have different 71 cultural approaches to the organisation of primary child care has also been recognised.

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  A Matter of Security

  The Application of Attachment Theory to Forensic Psychiatry and Psychotherapy

  • Friedemann Pfafflin, Gwen Adshead(Authors)
  • 2003(Publication Date)
  • Jessica Kingsley Publishers

    (Publisher)

  During the ‘attachment boom’ there has been an explosion of terms relating to different theoretical constructs of attachment. A review of the recently published attachment literature abstracts from January 2000 until May 2002 revealed a multitude of terms used in a rather confusing way. In this chapter the usage of terms is discussed with respect to their core meaning, and the adequacy of their application is evaluated. In order to provide a basis for empirical comparisons, social science requires a clear and specific conceptualisation of terminology. The terms ‘attachment style’, ‘– representation’, ‘– pattern’, ‘– quality’, ‘– status’, ‘– organisation’, ‘– class/classification’, and ‘– type/prototype’ are discussed in some detail and suggestions for further usage are made. 57 INTRODUCTION In his writings about attachment John Bowlby integrated elements of psy-choanalysis, ethology, and control-and learning theory into a theory which has greatly influenced theoretical concepts of developmental psychology, clinical psychology, psychoanalysis, and psychiatry. In his works on 1. ‘at-tachment’, 2. ‘separation’, 3. ‘loss, sadness and depression’ he focused on the central role of interpersonal relationships for social development and psychological functioning throughout life (Bowlby 1969, 1973, 1980). His theoretical considerations of attachment relationships were led by one central observation: in case of perceived physiological or psychological threat or danger, children tend to preserve their psychological integrity by seeking protection with primary caregivers. He developed two major hypotheses regarding the origin of inter-individual differences of attach-ment: 1. Through a history of responsive care, children will evolve expectations (inner working models) of their caregivers’ likely responses to signs of distress or other signals of the desire for contact.

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  Attachment and Sexual Offending

  Understanding and Applying Attachment Theory to the Treatment of Juvenile Sexual Offenders

  • Phil Rich(Author)
  • 2005(Publication Date)
  • Wiley

    (Publisher)

  Security in relation- ships and internalized representations of people, experiences, and expectations are at the same time both the outcome of the attachment experience and the ongoing force that shapes attached relationships. Before discussing the meaning of security or the development of the internal working model, it is important to first understand the internalization of the attachment experience and, tied to that process, the development of selfhood. THE MATERNAL ROLE IN ATTACHMENT Bowlby’s great partner was Mary Ainsworth, who operationalized and further developed his ideas and allowed them to be tested in a laboratory setting. She created and developed the “strange situation” as the experimental model by which 12-month-old children could be observed under rigid and controlled conditions (using a stranger to the child as an exper- imental variable, hence the name). Form this, she derived a model of attachment style, or a set of three defined categories into which the attachment behavior of young children could be classified, later expanded to four categories by Main and Solomon (1986). This classification is still widely used to describe attachment patterns in both children and adults, or at least variations of Ainsworth’s original model. Attachment theorists, then, believe that by one year of age attachment patterns have been formed and are evident, and are generally believed to largely serve as a template for the experience and demonstration of security throughout life. MacDonald (1985) describes the first two years of life as critical to the development of attachment, “providing a foun- dation for later development” (p. 103), and noting the possibility that children who have not formed secure attachment by age 2 will have difficulties later in life.

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  Understanding the Emotional Needs of Children in the Early Years

  • Tricia Johnson(Author)
  • 2018(Publication Date)
  • Routledge

    (Publisher)

  The reasons for inability to form strong attachments when, for example, a Mother has ill health, post-natal depression, substance abuse or has not expe- rienced a secure attachment with her own Mother are included. There are links to the importance of sensitively managed transitions included in this chapter through discussions about and analysis of different situations, anecdotes and case studies. Reference is made to the chapters about Key Persons, Working with Parents and Carers and the Effects of Different Cultures and Cultural Experiences, where responses to the social and emotional needs and development of children are discussed. You are encouraged to reflect on the types of attachment thought to have been identified in the babies and young children attending your settings and how these findings might lead to changes in your responses to the babies, children and their parents or carers. International perspectives on attachment theory are introduced as further study in order to promote reflection on prac- tice in the different childcare and educational settings internationally and in the United Kingdom. Attachment Bowlby explains the attachment of a baby or young child to their Mother or main carer as: Being strongly disposed to seek proximity to and contact with a specific figure and to do so in certain situations, notably when he is frightened, tired or ill . . . it is an attribute of the child and an attribute that gradually changes over time. (Bowlby 1991 p. 371) Stern (1998) speaks about a child gaining ‘senses of self’, which develop when a child feels secure and attached to another responsive person with whom the child seeks to be in close proximity, with that person cuddling them, sharing their warmth and looking lovingly into the child’s eyes, whilst Trevarthen (2002) speaks of attachment as regulating the needs of one’s own body, asking for help and support from another person.

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  Social Psychology

  Handbook of Basic Principles

  • Paul A. M. Van Lange, E. Tory Higgins, Arie W. Kruglanski(Authors)
  • 2020(Publication Date)
  • The Guilford Press

    (Publisher)

  M. (2000). A secure base from which to explore close relationships. Child Development, 71, 164–172. Zeifman, D. M., & Hazan, C. (2016). Pair bonds as attachments: Mounting evidence in support of Bowlby’s hypothesis. In J. Cassidy & P. R. Shaver (Eds.), Handbook of attachment: Theo- ry, research, and clinical applications (3rd ed., pp. 416–434). New York: Guilford Press. 240 F ew aphorisms are as timeworn as “humans are social animals.” Yet packed into this un- deniable truth is an abundance of assumptions, propositions, and questions that have preoccu- pied philosophers, political and religious lead- ers, novelists, poets, and scientists for centuries. In the past 100 or so years, a scholarly disci- pline has emerged that accepts this assertion as a starting point and uses empirical methods to better understand its roots, mechanisms, and implications. That discipline is, of course, so- cial psychology, the subject matter of this vol- ume (for historical reviews, see Jahoda, 2007; Kruglanski & Stroebe, 2012; Reis, 2019). Although the social world influences our be- havior in many and diverse ways, in this chapter I posit more precisely as fundamental the ongo- ing relationships in which most human activ- ity is carried out (Reis, Collins, & Berscheid, 2000). From birth to the end of life, our associa- tions with other people, especially significant others, profoundly affect our thoughts, feelings, activities, and well-being. In spite of this real- ity, and perhaps ironically, theories in social psychology do not always account for the rela- tionship context of behavior. In this chapter, I offer a framework for such an accounting. This framework begins with the idea that human be- havior often depends on who else is involved in a situation, and how one’s relationship with that person (or those persons) influences our per- ceptions, preferences, and actions. These latter attributes, in turn, depend on people’s motives with respect to their interaction partners.

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  Nurturing Attachments

  Supporting Children who are Fostered or Adopted

  • Kim Golding(Author)
  • 2007(Publication Date)
  • Jessica Kingsley Publishers

    (Publisher)

  5 Parenting Children with Difficulties Experiencing Relationships as Secure This chapter will explore the task of parenting children with difficulties in attachment. Ordinary sensitive parenting may not be sufficient to help these children learn to feel safe and secure within foster and adoptive families. The difficult issue of when to request therapy will also be discussed. To what extent can therapy outside of the home facilitate developmental recovery? How can therapeutic work with the child complement the therapeutic parenting that he is now experiencing? How can an understanding of attachment theory influence parenting? Attachment theory provides a framework within which we can understand the children and the behaviours that they are displaying. This understanding is useful by itself. Understanding why children behave in the way they do can reduce feelings of frustration, guilt and blame. Knowing that this behaviour links to past experience can leave you feeling less that it is your fault or that you are getting it wrong with this child. This in turn helps you to accept your child and the difficulties he displays and provides a greater sense of empathy for how hard relationships are for him. Feeling understood and experiencing empathy is the starting point from which children develop trust and new ways of relating to people. 71 Jenny and Martin are feeling worn out with caring for Catherine and Zoë. After four years Catherine still remains distant despite all their attempts to help her develop a deeper, trusting relationship with them. Her ready smiles hide away all that she is feeling and sometimes when they hold her it is as if they are holding a cardboard cutout rather than a real child. Attachment theory can also provide guidance for parenting your child.

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