Attachment Theory

Formulated in the 1950-60s by British psychiatrist John Bowlby, attachment theory is based in psychology, evolution and ethology (study of animal behavior). It asserts that young children need to form a strong early attachment to at least one primary caregiver to develop a normal social and emotional development.

Strong attachment gives babies a sense of security and a supportive foundation to interact freely with their environment, explore, learn from new experiences and connect with others:

As infants, 6 months-2 years, they seek an attachment figure in stressful situations and become attached to adults who are sensitive, responsive and consistent caregivers.

As toddlers, they use attachment figures (familiar people) as a secure base to explore from and return to.

Parental responses develop mental patterns of attachment, and these guide an individual’s feelings, thoughts and expectations in later relationships.

Separation anxiety or grief following the loss of an attachment figure is considered to be an attached infant’s normal, adaptive response (also see separation anxiety disorder). These behaviors may have evolved because they increase the probability of a child’s survival.

In the 1960-70s, developmental psychologist Mary Ainsworth introduced the “secure base” concept and theories of infant attachment patterns: secure attachment, avoidant attachment and anxious attachment. A fourth pattern, disorganized attachment, was identified later.

In the 1980s, attachment theory was extended to adults, including peer relationships at all ages, romantic and sexual attraction and responses to the care needs of infants or the sick and elderly.

Phases and patterns of attachment

Also in the 1960-70s, researchers Rudolph Schaffer and Peggy Emerson analyzed infant attachment relationships. Their longitudinal study indicated attachments were most likely to form with those who responded accurately to the baby’s signals, not the person they spent more time with (referred to as sensitive responsiveness).

- Intensely attached infants had mothers who responded quickly to their demands and interacted with their child.
- Weakly attached infants had mothers who failed to interact. Without a healthy foundation, babies may grow to be fearful, confused, insecure and, ultimately, become depressed or even suicidal as adolescents.

Four Phases of Attachment

Pre-attachment stage (birth-3 months): Very young infants do not show particular attachment to a specific caregiver. They indiscriminately enjoy company and get upset when an individual ceases to interact with them. Their signals, such as crying and fussing, naturally attract the parent’s attention, and the baby’s positive responses encourage the parent to remain close.

Indiscriminate attachment (6 weeks-7 months): Infants begin to show preferences for primary and secondary caregivers. They trust the parent to respond to their needs. While they accept care from others, infants start distinguishing between familiar and unfamiliar people, responding more positively to the primary caregiver.

Discriminate attachment (7-11 months): Infants smile more at familiar faces and look to particular people for security, comfort and protection. They may protest when separated from a single attachment figure (separation anxiety) and show anxiety around strangers (stranger anxiety).

Multiple attachments (after 9 months): Children form stronger emotional bonds with caregivers beyond the primary attachment figure, including a second parent, older siblings and grandparents. By 18 months, the majority of babies are becoming increasingly independent and have formed multiple attachments. Attachments vary in strength and are often hierarchical: an infant may have three attachments, but one may be the strongest and another the weakest.

Four Patterns of Attachment

Secure attachment: The most common attachment style, securely attached children depend on parents, show distress when separated and joy when reunited. Indeed, they expect parents to return and are comfortable seeking their reassurance.

Anxious or ambivalent attachment: This uncommon attachment style affects 7-15% of U.S. children. As a result of poor parental availability and dependability, these children become highly distressed when a parent leaves.

Avoidant attachment: These children tend to avoid parents, showing no preference between them and a stranger. This attachment style might result from parental abuse or neglect. Punished for relying on a parent, children learn to avoid seeking help in the future.

Disorganized attachment: These children may avoid or resist the parent, likely the result of inconsistent caregiver behavior. Parents serving as a source of both comfort and fear may lead to a child’s confusing mix of seemingly disoriented, dazed or confused behavior.

Learn more about Attachment-Based Therapy at CFI…

Phases and patterns of attachment

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