Clarifying Attachment Theory

Attachment theory is one of the most influential theories in psychology, but it is also widely misunderstood

Many people have inaccurate ideas about attachment styles and strategies, often encountering simplified or misleading information online. This course aims to provide a clear and accurate framework for understanding attachment, drawing on the work of key theorists and researchers.

Key Figures in Attachment Theory:

• John Bowlby: The originator of attachment theory, Bowlby studied the effects of child separation on mental health and emphasized the importance of close relationships for healthy development.

• Mary Ainsworth: A developmental psychologist who conducted groundbreaking research on infant attachment using the Strange Situation. Her work helped to establish attachment theory as a core concept in developmental psychology.

• Mary Main: Developed the Adult Attachment Interview to assess attachment styles in adults. This interview explores how individuals describe their early attachment experiences and sheds light on their underlying expectations about relationships.

Attachment Assessment Techniques:

• The Strange Situation: This innovative procedure assesses infant-caregiver attachment by observing infant behavior during separations and reunions with the caregiver in a mildly stressful environment. Securely attached infants explore confidently, using the caregiver as a secure base and showing a healthy mix of emotions during reunions. Ainsworth's research showed that maternal sensitivity, the caregiver's ability to read and respond appropriately to infant cues, is a strong predictor of secure attachment. Insensitive caregiving, characterized by missed cues and inappropriate responses, is linked to insecure attachment patterns.

• Adult Attachment Interview: This structured interview, designed for adults, explores how individuals talk about their attachment experiences. An evaluator analyzes the interview transcript, paying attention to language patterns and emotional content, to reveal underlying attachment styles and expectations about relationships.