Attatchment Theory

According to attachment theory, the relationships a child has with their parents affect how they grow socially and emotionally. The idea was first thought of by British scientist John Bowlby in the middle of the 20th century. Mary Ainsworth later built on it. The thought is that babies need to form bonds with others in order to stay living. A caring and trustworthy adult provides a solid base for the child, offering comfort and safety as they learn to manage the world. Infants form mental models (working models) of how relationships work through these early interactions. These models then shape their beliefs and behavior in future relationships.

  The 1970s "Strange Situation" studies by Ainsworth were the first to show that babies have different ways of attaching to others. For instance, children have a secure attachment when their caretakers are always attentive, making them feel safe to explore and letting them show distress when they are separated. Another type of insecure attachment is when providers aren't consistent or responsive. These first-time attachment patterns have been linked to later results in childhood and adulthood. Kids who have secure attachments usually learn how to handle their feelings and make friends better, while kids who have insecure attachments might have trouble believing others or liking themselves. Attachment theory has practical effects in many areas, such as how parents raise their children and the laws that protect children. It also helps therapists treat attachment disorders and trauma. This shows how important early bonds are for growth, but it also shows how different types of attachment can change as people go through new things.