General health psychologist Rosa Hidalgo Torres discusses attachment theory in this article, as well as the main postulates of attachment theory, applications and disorders.

What is attachment theory?

Attachment theory is a term used to describe emotional bonds. They have a significant impact on birth and neurodevelopment.

Attachment is the deep emotional bond, which forms between a person and his or her primary attachment figures, usually parents or primary caregivers.

From the moment of birth, attachment plays a crucial role in the well-being and development of the newborn. Infants depend on their caregivers to meet their basic needs, such as nourishment, security and affection. The quality of the attachment relationship will influence how infants experience and respond to the world around them.

When caregivers respond sensitively and consistently to the infant’s cues and needs, secure attachment is established, which promotes healthy development and a secure base from which they can explore their environment and develop cognitive and emotional skills.

Who developed the attachment theory?

Attachment theory was developed by the British psychologist John Bowlby, in the years (1969-1980), who argued that human beings have an innate tendency to seek proximity and contact with their attachment figures, especially in times of distress or danger.

Bowlby, through his work during World War II with children separated from their parents and who were institutionalized, found specific behavioral patterns and emotional responses that were common in all of them: a strong need to establish and maintain proximity with their primary caregivers, especially in situations of stress or danger.

He observed that children sought physical contact, security and comfort from their attachment figures to soothe their distress and restore their sense of security and that the quality of the attachment relationship between the child and his or her primary caregiver had a significant impact on emotional development and on the way children interacted with the world.

The main postulates of attachment theory

The need for attachment: Human beings have an innate need to establish emotional and affective bonds with attachment figures, especially during the first years of life. This bond provides security, protection and emotional support.

The importance of the attachment figure: The primary caregiver, usually the maternal figure, plays a crucial role in attachment development. This figure becomes a secure base from which the child can explore the world and to whom he or she can turn in times of stress or danger.

Caregiver sensitivity and responsiveness: The quality of attachment depends largely on the caregiver’s sensitivity and responsiveness to the child’s emotional needs. Caregivers who are sensitive, warm, and consistent in their responses foster a secure and healthy attachment.

Internal working models: Early attachment experiences form internal working models in the child’s mind, which are mental representations of relationships and the world. These internal models influence how the child perceives and responds to relationships and can have a lasting impact on their emotional and social development.

The influence of attachment on later development: The quality of attachment established in infancy has implications for the child’s later development. Children with secure attachment tend to show greater confidence, self-esteem, emotional regulation and social skills, whereas those with insecure attachment may experience difficulties in these areas.

His pioneering work laid the foundation for attachment theory, which has significantly influenced our understanding of emotional development, interpersonal relationships and mental health across the lifespan.

Types of attachment

Bowlby identified four types of attachment: secure, avoidant, ambivalent, and disorganized. These patterns were manifested in children’s emotional responses and behaviors when they encountered new, stressful or threatening situations.

• Secure attachment: Children with a secure attachment style show trust in their primary caregivers and feel safe exploring their environment. These children seek out their caregivers in times of stress or anxiety and are comforted by their presence. They respond positively to closeness and emotional intimacy, and trust that their needs will be met.

• Avoidant attachment: Children with an avoidant attachment style tend to avoid closeness and emotional dependence. They may appear independent and show little affection for their caregivers. These children may minimize the importance of close relationships and may have difficulty seeking emotional support in times of stress.

• Ambivalent attachment: Children with an ambivalent attachment style show excessive concern for closeness and approval from their caregivers. They may have difficulty exploring their environment and may show anxiety and resistance when their caregivers attempt to separate from them. These children may have difficulty feeling secure in relationships and may constantly seek validation and attention from others.

• Disorganized attachment: Disorganized attachment is characterized by contradictory and confusing responses in children toward their primary caregivers. They may show contradictory behaviors, such as seeking closeness and at the same time showing fear or avoidance towards their caregivers. These children may have experienced traumatic situations or abuse, which can generate disorganized responses in the context of attachment relationships.

What disorders can arise if there is no secure attachment?

In terms of neurodevelopment, the quality of attachment influences the way brain circuits develop and neural connections are established.

The brain regions involved are:

Amygdala: The amygdala plays a crucial role in emotional response and fear regulation. In the context of secure attachment, a healthy and well-regulated amygdala allows for an appropriate response to stressful situations and rapid recovery after conflict resolution.

Hippocampus: The hippocampus is critical for memory and learning. Secure attachment promotes proper hippocampal development, which facilitates the formation of positive emotional memories and the ability to learn from experiences.

Prefrontal cortex: The prefrontal cortex plays a crucial role in emotional regulation, decision-making and planning. In the context of secure attachment, proper development of the prefrontal cortex is promoted, allowing for better emotional self-regulation and more balanced decision making.

Reward system: The reward system, which includes regions such as the nucleus accumbens and cingulate cortex, is involved in the experience of pleasure and gratification. Secure attachment promotes healthy activation of this system, allowing for a greater ability to experience and enjoy social and affective interactions.

Infants who experience secure attachment have a more balanced stress system and a more efficient response to stressful situations.

Conversely, insecure attachment styles may experience difficulties in emotional regulation and have a reduced ability to establish healthy social relationships.

Attachment disorders that may be found

• Separation anxiety: Some children may experience intense anxiety when separated from their parents or caregivers. They may be afraid that something bad will happen to them or that their loved ones will abandon them. This can affect their ability to separate calmly and participate in daily activities, such as going to school or sleeping alone.

• Difficulties in emotional regulation: Children with insecure attachment may have difficulty managing and regulating their emotions. They may have frequent mood swings, difficulty calming down when upset, or difficulty expressing their feelings appropriately. This may manifest in frequent temper tantrums, aggressive behavior or emotional withdrawal.

• Behavioral problems: Insecure attachment patterns may be related to behavioral problems in children. They may show defiance toward authority figures, difficulty following rules, impulsivity, or disruptive behavior. These behavioral problems may be a way of expressing emotional insecurity and seeking attention or control in their relationships.

• Low self-esteem and relationship difficulties: Children with insecure attachment experiences may have low self-esteem and a negative view of themselves. They may feel unappreciated or unable to establish healthy relationships with others. They may also have difficulty trusting others or forming close, lasting relationships.

• Reactive attachment disorder: In more severe cases, some children may develop reactive attachment disorder. This occurs when they have not had a consistent attachment figure or have experienced neglect or abuse. These children may have difficulty establishing meaningful relationships, show a lack of positive emotions toward others, and engage in inappropriate behaviors.

How do I know if I am raising my child with secure attachment?

To assess whether you are raising your child with secure attachment, you can look for the following signs and behaviors:

• Close emotional bond: Notice if your child feels close and connected to you. Look for signs that they feel safe and comfortable expressing their emotions and needs with you.

• Seeking comfort: Observe how your child seeks comfort and emotional support when feeling distressed or insecure. A securely attached child will come to you for comfort and will calm down more quickly in your presence.

• Exploration and autonomy: See if your child feels safe to explore his environment and take small risks independently. A securely attached child will feel confident to explore and learn, knowing that he or she can come back to you for support if needed.

• Emotional regulation: Observe how your child handles his emotions. A securely attached child tends to have better emotional regulation, showing the ability to identify and express emotions appropriately.

• Trust in caregivers: See if your child trusts you and other important caregivers in his or her life. A securely attached child will trust caregivers to meet their needs and provide a safe environment.

• Open and affectionate communication: Observe whether you have open and affectionate communication with your child. Secure attachment is characterized by clear, respectful and affectionate communication, where the child feels heard and understood.

Secure attachment develops and strengthens over time. It is always possible to work on building a secure attachment with your child, even if there are areas where you feel you need to improve.

How can we foster secure attachment with our children?

To foster secure attachment with our children, it is important to keep in mind some guidelines that caregivers can follow:

• Establish a secure base: Caregivers should provide a safe and predictable environment for the child. This involves establishing routines, offering comfort and protection when the child is distressed, and providing a physically and emotionally safe environment.

• Respond sensitively: It is essential to respond sensitively and quickly to the child’s needs. This involves paying attention to the child’s cues and expressions, validating the child’s emotions, and providing comfort when needed. The ability to tune in and respond to the child’s emotional needs helps build a foundation of trust and security.

• Establish effective communication: Caregivers should establish open and caring communication with the child. This involves active listening, speaking in a soft and caring tone, and expressing love and affection on a regular basis. Clear and positive communication helps strengthen the emotional bond between caregiver and child.

• Encourage exploration and autonomy: It is important to allow the child to safely explore his or her environment and encourage autonomy. Caregivers should provide opportunities for independent play, discovery and learning, encouraging the child to make choices and assume age-appropriate responsibilities.

At the same time, there are certain actions or attitudes that we should avoid as parents so as not to interfere with the formation of a secure attachment:

• Do not ignore the child’s emotional needs: ignoring or minimizing the child’s emotions can generate insecurity and anxiety. It is important to be present and show empathy towards the child’s emotional experiences.

• Avoid physical or emotional punishment: Physical or emotional punishment can damage the attachment relationship and generate fear and resentment in the child. It is important to set clear limits and use positive and respectful methods of discipline.

• Do not be overprotective: Although it is essential to provide protection and security, being overprotective can limit the development of the child’s autonomy and confidence. Allowing the child to take calculated risks and experience the world is important to his or her growth.

• Avoid inconsistency and unreliability: Inconsistency in responses or unreliability in caregivers can lead to confusion and anxiety in the child. It is important to be consistent in our actions and words, follow through on promises, and demonstrate reliability.

Conclusions

Attachment theory has aided in the understanding of child development and has demonstrated its relevance in clinical and educational practice. Numerous research and studies in this field have affirmed that early attachment is critical, as attachment patterns established in infancy can have repercussions throughout life.

Secure attachment in childhood is associated with improved emotional well-being, greater resilience and better coping skills in adulthood. Conversely, insecure attachment may predispose to emotional problems and difficulties in interpersonal relationships in adulthood.

Identifying and addressing attachment difficulties during infancy can have positive effects on the child’s emotional and relational development. Each child and situation is unique, and it is important to adapt these guidelines to each child’s individual needs. The key is to maintain a loving, respectful and responsive relationship with your child, and to seek support from a child psychologist if you have concerns or difficulties in parenting.

References

Hernandez Pacheco,M(2017)Apego y Psicopatología:la ansiedad y su origen.Conceptualización y tratamiento de las patologías relacionadas con la ansiedad desde una perspectiva integradora. Desclée De Brouwer. 

Holmes,J(2011)Teoría del apego y psicoterapia. Desclée De Brouwer. 

López, F., Gómez, M., & Fernández, J. (2019). Estudio sobre los estilos de apego y su relación con el desarrollo emocional en la infancia. Revista de Psicología Infantil, 35(2), 89-104. 

Martínez, M., & González, A. (2021). Influencia del apego materno-infantil en el desarrollo psicosocial. Psicología y Salud, 31(2), 165-180. 

Ramirez S(2015)Crianza con apego:de la teoría a la práctica. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. 

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