Attachment Styles: History, Research, and Impact

Attachment Theory was developed in the 1950s by two psychologists, John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth. This theory outlines the essential nature of a child’s relationship with their primary caregiver in how they approach and engage with relationships into adulthood. 

A Bit of History

Starting in the 1930s, John Bowlby became interested in how family experiences impact children’s emotional well-being and behaviours. His interest was kickstarted by two children he met. Bowlby advocated for a holistic view that considered all aspects of a child, such as their family and life situation.

Mary Ainsworth graduated with Ph.D. in 1939, with much of her graduate work focusing on security theory. Security Theory is the idea that children need to acquire secure dependence on parents before being willing to explore unknown and unfamiliar situations and experiences.

Around 1950, Bowlby and Ainsworth’s paths crossed, and together they developed the Attachment Theory.

Check out this article on Attachment Theory for more history.

The Strange Situation

There are several key studies supporting Attachment Theory. One such study is the Strange Situation Experiment. The Strange Situation is comprised of eight relatively short stages:

Stage 1: The mother and baby are brought into the experiment room, which has a chair for the mother, a chair for the experimenter/stranger, and toys. 

Stage 2: The mother sits on the chairs while the baby is left to explore the toys, only engaging when the child initiates.

Stage 3: The experimenter/stranger enters and is slowly begins engaging with the mother and baby. After several minutes, the mother leaves.

Stage 4: The experimental/stranger remains in the room with the baby.

Stage 5: The experimenter/stranger exits, Mother re-enters, comforts baby, then leaves the baby to play.

Stages 6: The mother leaves and the baby is alone.

Stage 7: The experimenter/stranger re-enters and engages with the baby.

Stage 8: Mother re-enters and the experimenter leaves.

The interaction observed between the child and mother/primary caregiver can be clearly categorized into the four attachment styles. 

The Four Attachment Styles

There are four main attachment styles:

  1. Anxious-Ambivalent, also referred to as preoccupied or anxious, is characterized by children who are wary of the situation and the stranger/experimenter and stayed close to the caregiver. The child is highly distressed upon the primary caregiver (mother) leaving, but is ambivalent upon their return.
  2. Anxious-Avoidant is also known as dismissive or avoidant. Children with an anxious-avoidant attachment style will ignore their primary caregiver and will either ignore or avoid their primary caregiver’s return. These children will likely not explore the toys much. 
  3. Fearful-Avoidant, also known as a disorganized or disoriented attachment style, is seen in children who have no consistent or predictable response.
  4. Secure attachments occur when the child explores the toys while the primary caregiver is present, engages with the primary caregiver and experimenter/stranger, and, although upset at the caregiver’s departure, allows themselves to be comforted upon their return.

Impact Into Adulthood

Adults with an anxious attachment style (anxious-ambivalent in childhood) will often appear to be fearful and distrustful in relationships. They require reassurance that they are safe and will not be abandoned.

Adults with an avoidant attachment style (anxious-avoidant in childhood) are often guarded and attempt to be self-reliant in their relationships. They tend to build up emotional walls, making them unable to seek or give comfort emotionally.

A disorganized attachment style (fearful-avoidant in childhood) in adulthood often desires close relationships but cannot develop these deep, healthy relationships due to mental or personality disorders, or even just a tendency to push others away.

A secure attachment style is demonstrated by those who can naturally trust others, be emotionally open and available, and form healthy relationships. 

For more information about the attachment styles and their impact into adulthood, check out these articles:

“The 4 Attachment Styles and How They Impact You”

“Attachment Styles and Their Role in Relationships”

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