Attachment Theory Overview

Infants feel safe and confident their caregivers will meet their needs. This is linked to consistent, responsive care. They explore with parent, show some separation distress and happiness at reunion. Common in middle class American infants.

Infants show clinginess and excessive dependence on caregivers, often anxious about their availability. Caused by inconsistent caregiving. Distressed at separation from parent, mixed approach/avoidance at reunion.

Infants are emotionally distant and avoid caregivers. Likely due to neglectful or dismissive care. Little protest at parent departure; may respond similarly to stranger and parent or prefer stranger. Avoid parent upon return.

Infants experience fear or confusion toward their caregivers, often due to trauma or abuse. The caregiver is both a source of comfort and fear leading to erratic behavior.

Different attachment styles in childhood are linked to different relationship patterns in adulthood. Secure attachment leads to healthier relationships in adulthood. Insecure attachments may lead to difficulty with intimacy, needing reassurance, or other issues.

The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

Showing appreciation for the other person, even in small ways, can strengthen the relationship emotionally.

Bowen observed that families with juvenile delinquents often exhibit mixed messages of unconditional love, leading to children's rebellion and parenting struggles. This similarity is seen in the legal systems approach to juvenile delinquents as victims, reducing penalties for actions.

Making time for each other, even when busy, is crucial to maintain emotional closeness in relationships.

Partners who understand each other, appreciate strengths, interact meaningfully, and respect each other, solving conflicts.

A pattern of societal decline driven by anxieties leading to seeking immediate relief instead of principled actions. This was observed from the 1960s onward, evidenced by rising crime, divorce, and polarization.

The person primarily responsible for childcare, facing physical, emotional, and freedom challenges.

Healthy relationships require intimacy (emotional connection), commitment (consistent effort), and communication (effective exchange).

Deep understanding of partner's dreams, likes, dislikes, fears, life goals.

Focusing on strengths and good qualities of the relationship.

emotional connection promoting trust, vulnerability, acceptance, and shared values in relationships. Not solely physical

The person primarily responsible for financial support, facing work-life balance and disconnection challenges.

A mindful, consistent decision to invest in a relationship, especially during tough times.

Regular and important conversations and activities, both emotionally and physically, in daily life, not just during events.

Both caretakers and breadwinners can feel resentful if their contributions aren't acknowledged.

The skill of effectively conveying needs and feelings to foster understanding and prevent miscommunication in relationships.

Unresolved resentment can negatively impact the relationship and cause toxicity over time.

Open to compromise, respecting each other's opinions and needs in a balanced way.

Addressing disagreements with respect, avoiding blame or criticism, seeking solutions that satisfy both partners.

Understanding the underlying reasons behind conflicts and resentment, often linked to lack of appreciation.

Paying full attention to understand another person's perspective before responding; valuing their perspective, improving trust, and respect in conversations.

Reflecting on individual reactions & triggers and communicating these openly with your partner to improve understanding.

Your body language (facial expressions, tone of voice) frequently conveys more information than words; being sensitive to these cues is important in effective communication.

Disagreements on important issues that persist without resolution.

Clearly communicating your needs and emotions to encourage understanding and prevent misunderstandings; more effective than assuming others know your feelings.

Creating a life with shared rituals, values, and goals; creating a sense of purpose and mutual respect.

Ask open-ended questions to delve into emotions and feelings, allowing the partner to express their needs.

Attacking a partner's personality or character, not just a complaint; using generalizations like "You always..." or "You never...".

Parenting that harms a child's growth and well-being, such as setting excessive expectations or exposing them to violence.

Actions that damage a child's emotional well-being, including fear, self-doubt, and sudden behavioral changes.

Behaviors that harm a child's emotional well-being; includes negative comments, lack of affection, or neglecting medical needs.

Failing to meet a child's emotional needs for love, affection, and support.

Parenting that considers both the benefits and drawbacks of digital technology.

Parents moving towards enabling approaches to digital technology, involving guiding their children with privacy and content.

Parenting styles often involving restrictive approaches to digital technology, mainly limiting access due to resources and cultural norms.

Parents limit screen time and social media for children to control tech usage.

Parents and children use technology together.

Open discussions about technology use to promote safety and critical thinking.

Respecting children's rights, fostering development through nurturance, guidance and empowerment.

Meeting a child's emotional needs for love and security.

Establishing routines and boundaries.

Valuing children’s individual voices and uniqueness.

Building confidence and control.

Avoiding corporal punishment to respect children’s dignity and integrity.

Preparing children to use technology respectfully and responsibly.

Open conversations with children about their online activities to build trust and rapport.

A skill that helps children make thoughtful decisions about their online interactions.

Maintaining consistent conversations about online behaviour to reinforce safe habits.

Engaging with family and community members for shared experiences and support addressing online issues collaboratively.