Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the main focus of attachment theory?
What is the main focus of attachment theory?
Which attachment style is characterized by efforts to minimize contact and emotional dependence?
Which attachment style is characterized by efforts to minimize contact and emotional dependence?
What is the internal working model (IWM) according to attachment theory?
What is the internal working model (IWM) according to attachment theory?
How is avoidant attachment typically formed?
How is avoidant attachment typically formed?
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Which attachment style features fear of abandonment combined with resistance to being close?
Which attachment style features fear of abandonment combined with resistance to being close?
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What foundation does secure attachment lay for individuals in later life according to Bowlby?
What foundation does secure attachment lay for individuals in later life according to Bowlby?
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Study Notes
Attachment Theory
Introduction
Attachment theory, developed by John Bowlby, a British psychoanalyst, focuses on the concept of a close emotional bond between humans, particularly between infants and their caregivers. This theory posits that attachment behaviors, such as seeking proximity and contact, are fundamental to human survival and are shaped by experiences forming the internal working model (IWM).
Attachment Styles
Bowlby proposed three main attachment styles: secure, characterized by trust and confidence in the availability of the caregiver; avoidant, marked by efforts to minimize contact and emotional dependence; and ambivalent, featuring fear of abandonment combined with resistance to being close. These styles are believed to be formed in early childhood and influence subsequent relationships throughout life.
Secure Attachment
Secure attachment is established through consistent, positive interactions with the caregiver, leading to a sense of safety and reassurance. According to Bowlby, secure attachment lays the foundation for successful relationships in later life, allowing individuals to navigate challenges and maintain stable connections.
Avoidant Attachment
Avoidant attachment occurs when the caregiver is unreliable or inconsistent, causing the child to develop strategies to cope with potential threats and rejection. As a result, children with avoidant attachment tend to avoid intimacy and struggle with trust in relationships.
Ambivalent Attachment
With ambivalent attachment, children experience conflicting feelings towards the caregiver due to inconsistency in care, resulting in a mixture of fears of abandonment and resistant behavior. Individuals with ambivalent attachment styles often seek reassurance yet simultaneously resist closeness, creating difficulties in maintaining stable relationships.
Conclusion
Attachment theory underscores the significance of early environmental influences on later social and emotional functioning. The bond between infant and caregiver shapes the individual's view of self and others, influencing future relationships and overall psychological well-being.
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Description
Explore the fundamental concepts of attachment theory, proposed by John Bowlby, including attachment styles such as secure, avoidant, and ambivalent. Learn how early interactions with caregivers shape individuals' internal working models and influence relationships throughout life.
