September 2022
Attachment theories and types in childhood
Did You Know?
There are several different attachment styles, and they tend to be formed in infancy and early childhood. The seminal work done by John Bowlby in 1969 showed evidence that attachment is instinctive and begins shortly after birth. He also theorized that the type of attachment formed comes from the perceived threat of a disrupted attachment. Some specific behaviors that John Bowlby includes in his study showing a need for attachment are crawling, crying, and smiling - especially to the baby’s mother. In 1951, John Bowlby found there to be a critical period in which a healthy attachment should be formed between the baby and its mother. He discovered this “critical period” to be the first two years of life. Further, he found that if maternal attachment is disrupted during this critical period, he found that the child suffers long-term consequences that are irreversible.
Theorists have identified four major attachment styles that form in childhood:
Secure: Attaining a secure attachment is the outcome of experiencing a sense of safety with your caretakers during childhood and having the ability to seek comfort or affirmation without facing any consequences. Certain indications of this attachment pattern consist of the capacity to control one's emotions, proficient communication abilities, the skill to handle conflicts effectively, the capability to introspect in relationships, and elevated self-respect.
Avoidant (Dismissive): Individuals with this attachment style may have been raised by caregivers who were either strict or emotionally detached and absent, and who demanded self-sufficiency while dismissing any display of emotions or needs. Several indicators that may indicate an Avoidant attachment pattern are consistently avoiding emotional or physical closeness, feeling uneasy about conveying your emotions, struggling to trust others, and holding the belief that you are self-sufficient and do not require the presence of others in your life.
Anxious (Anxious-ambivalent): This attachment type is the result of inconsistent, inattentive parenting. The caregiver might have occasionally been mindful and subsequently distanced themselves while holding you accountable for their emotions, leading to confusion. The desire for acceptance from others, low self-esteem, feeling undeserving of love, extreme fear of rejection, and fear of abandonment are all indications that you may have this attachment style.
Disorganized: Childhood trauma, neglect, or abuse are the primary reasons for a disorganized attachment style. Additionally, a sense of insecurity regarding their parents and their own safety is also prevalent. Inability to control emotions, inconsistent behaviors, high levels of anxiety, and symptoms of both avoidant and anxious attachment styles are all indications that you may have this attachment style.
When progressing into adulthood, the names and attributes for each attachment style change slightly. Here’s a link to find out more about your attachment style!
https://www.attachmentproject.com/attachment-style-quiz/