Attachment Theories

Attachment Theory

A psychological model describing the dynamics of long-term relationships between humans, particularly focusing on how early relationships with caregivers influence emotional bonds and social development.

Pre-Attachment Stage

Birth to 3 months. Infants do not show any particular attachment to a specific caregiver.

Indiscriminate Attachment

6 weeks to 7 months. Infants begin to show preference for primary and secondary caregivers. Trust is developed and they start to distinguish between familiar and unfamiliar people.

Discriminate Attachment

7 to 11 months of age. Infants show a strong attachment and preference for one specific caregiver. This is when separation and stranger anxiety become more present.

Multiple Attachments

After 9 months of age. Children begin to form strong emotional attachments with other caregivers beyond the primary attachment figure.

Ainsworth’s Strange Situation

A study that observed children between the ages of 12 months and 18 months and their response to a situation in which they were briefly left alone and then reunited with their mothers.

Secure Attachment

Children who can depend on caregivers. Show distress when separated and joy when reunited but are still able to self-regulate when the parent is gone because they know their caregiver will come back.

Avoidant Attachment

Children avoid parents or caregivers and show no preference between a caregiver and a stranger.

Ambivalent Attachment

Children become very distressed when a parent leaves. They cannot depend on their primary caregiver to be there when they need them. (kid cries for their parent but when they comeback they still cry)

Disorganized Attachment

Children display a confusing mix of behavior. They usually seem disoriented, dazed, or confused and may avoid or resist their parent. This attachment is created from inconsistent caregiver behavior. Caregiver provides comfort and fear.