Attachment

Attachment is the strong emotional bond a person develops with another person, especially between a child and their primary caregiver.

The main psychologist associated with attachment theory is John Bowlby.

Simple example

A small child is playing in a room. Suddenly, the child becomes frightened. They run to their mother, hold her, and feel safe.

The mother is acting as a secure base—the child can explore the world but return to her when they need comfort.

Mary Ainsworth

Mary Ainsworth studied attachment through her famous Strange Situation experiment.

She identified different attachment patterns, including:

1. Secure attachment

The child:

“I know my caregiver is there for me.

“They explore confidently but seek comfort when distressed.

2. Anxious/ambivalent attachment

The child may worry:

“Will my caregiver be there for me?”

They may become very distressed when the caregiver leaves and difficult to comfort when they return.

3. Avoidant attachment

The child may learn:

“I shouldn’t depend on others.

“They may avoid seeking comfort from the caregiver.