Attachment theory and Identity Formation

Attachment theory

Attachment theory

Plays a significant role in understanding how early relationships and attachments contribute to the development of personality and other human attributes. 

Proponents of Attachment theory

Mary Aimsworth and Margaret Mahler

Attachment styles and Internal working

Mary Aimsworth’s contribution

Attachment style

Ainsworth best work. She studied through the “Strange Situation” experiment.

Secure, Anxious-Ambivalent, and Avoidant

Three primary attachment style:

Secure attachment

Children with secure attachment tend to develop trust and confidence in their relationships. They are more likely to have positive self-esteem, good emotional regulation, and the ability to form healthy relationships in adulthood. 

Anxious- Ambivalent Attachment

Children with this attachment may develop a heightened need for reassurance  and may struggle with insecurity and anxiety in their relationships. In adulthood, they may exhibit clinginess and a fear of abandonment.

Avoidant attachment

This attachment may become more self-resilient and less dependent on others. In adulthood, they might have difficulty expressing emotions and forming close, intimate connections.

Internal working models

Cognitive frameworks that individuals use to understand and navigate relationships. These models influence how individuals perceive themselves and others, impacting their personality development and interpersonal interactions throughout life. 

Object Relations Theory and Separation-individuation

Margaret Mahler’s Contribution

Object Relation Theory

This theory emphasized the significance of early mother-child interactions and the development of object relations, which are representations of the self and others formed in infancy.

Separation-Individuation

This phase, children gradually separate from their primary caregiver (usually mother) and form a more independent sense of self.

Successful Separation-Individuation and unsuccessful Separation-Individuation

2 types of separation-individuation

Successful Separation-Individuation

A child who successfully navigates this phase develops a sense of  autonomy and self-identity.

Unsuccessful Separation-individuation

Children who struggle with this phase may develop personality traits like dependency, difficulty establishing boundaries, and problems with identity formation. 

Identity Formation

This theory outlines the process by which adolescents form their sense of identity.

Marcia

Proponent of identity formation

Identity Diffusion, Identity Foreclosure, Moratorium, and Identity Achievement

Four identity statuses as proposed by Marcia: 

Identity Diffusion

Adolescents in this status have not yet actively explored various identity options, nor have they made any firm commitments. They may lack a clear sense of direction or purpose.

Identity Foreclosure

Adolescents in this status have made commitments to certain identity aspects (e.g. career, values, religion) without any thorough exploration. They often adopt the values and beliefs of their parents or significant others.

Moratorium

In this status, adolescents are actively exploring various identity options and values. They have not yet made firm commitments but are actively searching for their true identity. 

Identity Achievement

In this status, adolescents have successfully explored various options and have made firm commitments based on their own choices and values. They have a clear sense of self and direction.