Attachment refers to the emotional connection or bond a person feels towards another individual. This bond is typically between a child and their primary caregiver, often the mother. The purpose of attachment is to provide a sense of safety and security for the child. When a strong emotional attachment is formed, separation from the attached individual can cause feelings of anxiety, despair, and sadness.
Key Takeaways
- Attachment is an emotional bond between a person and their primary caregiver, offering a sense of safety and security.
- Strong emotional attachments can lead to anxiety and sadness when separated from the attached individual.
- Feelings of attachment continue into adulthood, impacting self-confidence and relationships with others.
Infants usually form attachments with those who respond to their needs and engage with them socially. Emotional attachment helps children develop self-confidence, as they feel secure and more willing to explore their surroundings when their primary caregiver is present. However, the absence of emotional attachment can leave a child feeling insecure and apprehensive.
As a child grows older and becomes more independent, they begin to understand the concept of separation and reunion with their caregiver, such as attending school. This understanding allows the child to form relationships with their peers and prepare for longer periods of separation. Their attachment feelings carry into adulthood, influencing their self-perception and relationships with others.
The study of adult attachment was conducted by Cindy Hazan and Phillip Shaver in the 1980s. They discovered that adults with secure attachments had more positive self-views and were more confident than those without strong emotional attachments. Adults with low attachment levels tended to be impulsive, mistrustful of their partners, and view themselves as unworthy.
