Attachment is essentially an emotional bond between individuals.The very first attachment we form is with our primary caregiver (usually parents) and this forms the base for our future attachments. Knowing about our attachment styles can help us understand our relationships better. Psychologists John Bowlby and Ainsworth’s work has focused on studying the attachment patterns of infants to predict their behavior in the future.
According to the Attachment Theory, there are four attachment styles: namely- secure, avoidant, anxious and fearful. Let’s look at each of them in further detail.
1) Secure attachment :
Children who have secure attachment, receive adequate support and love during times of distress by their caregiver. Thereby, they learn to trust their caregivers to offer them comfort and assurance. They grow up as emotionally secure individuals and have confidence in themselves. They are comfortable with autonomy and are able to form close relationships with others.
2) Avoidant Attachment
Children with this attachment style tend to remain withdrawn, especially during stressful situations, and often resist seeking help. As adults, they are usually extremely self-reliant. They tend to shut down and/or detach during stress or in an emotionally painful situation. They may not feel the need to form bonds with people and may avoid relationships.
3) Anxious Attachment:
Children in this spectrum are often described as ‘clingy’ and might express their emotions in an exaggerated manner to seek their primary caregiver’s attention. They lack confidence and often tend to be socially isolated. As adults, they may have difficulty in communicating their needs directly and tend to act out when triggered, for example, by making the partner jealous.
4) Fearful Attachment :
Children with this attachment style display a confusing mix of behavior; seeming disoriented, dazed, or confused. They generally don’t have predictable ways of emotional regulation, and their coping strategies are disorganized. They view other individuals as threats, which leads to social withdrawal and defensive behavior. This often translates into their adult behavior as avoiding feelings, as they are easily overwhelmed by them. They may be more dependent on other people, in their relationships and fear rejection. This makes it difficult to form close and healthy relationships.
Every individual’s attachment style is unique. If you find yourself relating with an attachment pattern other than the secure attachment style, it doesn’t necessarily imply that your relationships are going to be difficult. By learning about our attachment styles we can view things through a clearer lens and try building better bonds as adults.
This is merely a brief description of this theory. To know more checkout the links below:
Here’s to taking the first step towards becoming aware of our mental health!
DISCLAIMER: This blog is created ONLY for information purpose and NOT for self diagnosis. There is a lot more to the concerns we talk about here. In case you identify with these experiences in your or your loved ones life, please reach out to a mental health professional or our team at HerMoveMeant, for further assistance.
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