What is attachment theory?

Attachment theory is a psychological development model that was developed by British psychologist John Bowlby in the 1940s. Attachment theory states that infant and child development are shaped by early experiences with caregivers, which can affect their ability to form healthy relationships as adults. The theory proposes that infants have an innate need for attachment with their primary caregiver in order to survive and grow up healthy.

In the 1970s, American psychologist Mary Ainsworth developed the Strange Situation Protocol. The Strange Situation is a series of experiments that are used to identify different types of attachment styles. It involves observing mothers interacting with their infants while they're away from their home environment and then interpreting what you see (or don't see) in terms of how it affects your understanding about how children develop healthy relationships with others.

Ainsworth proposed three different attachment styles based on how infants respond when separated from their primary caregivers: secure attachment, insecure-avoidant attachment and insecure-ambivalent attachment.

How can peer support help with attachment theory?

Attachment theory can be used to understand how parents affect child development by being responsive and attuned to their child’s needs, but it also highlights the need for parents to be aware of their own behavior so they can improve on these interactions with their children. Peer support groups can be a useful way to explore your own attachment style and how it impacts your relationships.

If you wish to explore more around attachment styles, join a free peer support session today.