What Is Attachment Theory? - Kendra Cherry /windy-day-with-dad-824002536-5a8b4c393de4230037815ce0.jpg) ## Metadata - Author: **Kendra Cherry** - Full Title: What Is Attachment Theory? - Category: #articles - URL: https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-attachment-theory-2795337 ## Highlights - :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/what-is-attachment-theory-2795337-5c521affc9e77c0001859c1d.png) ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01k30wswrag3tbmyw0y181d4zg)) - In one version of his experiment, newborn rhesus monkeys were separated from their birth mothers and reared by surrogate mothers. The infant monkeys were placed in cages with two wire-monkey mothers. One of the wire monkeys held a bottle from which the infant monkey could obtain nourishment, while the other wire monkey was covered with a soft terry cloth. While the infant monkeys would go to the wire mother to obtain food, they spent most of their days with the soft cloth mother. When frightened, the baby monkeys would turn to their cloth-covered mother for comfort and security. Harlow's work also demonstrated that early attachments were the result of receiving comfort and care from a caregiver rather than simply the result of being fed. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01k31gjmxvp1ygh17sbdvmdph2)) - **Quality caregiving**: When caregivers respond quickly and consistently, children learn that they can depend on the people who are responsible for their care, which is the essential foundation for attachment. This is a vital factor. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01k31gphadztadqkycf7m3nk95)) - **Ambivalent attachment**: These children become very distressed when a parent leaves. Ambivalent attachment style is considered uncommon, affecting an estimated 7% to 15% of U.S. children. As a result of poor parental availability, these children cannot depend on their primary caregiver to be there when they need them. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01k31gr10dam31f5t96ry3725j)) - **Avoidant attachment**: Children with an avoidant attachment tend to avoid parents or caregivers, showing no preference between a caregiver and a complete stranger. This attachment style might be a result of abusive or neglectful caregivers. Children who are punished for relying on a caregiver will learn to avoid seeking help in the future. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01k31gr65ht7vpmy9am65zbwrt)) - **Disorganized attachment**: These children display a confusing mix of behavior, seeming disoriented, dazed, or confused. They may avoid or resist the parent. Lack of a clear attachment pattern is likely linked to inconsistent caregiver behavior. In such cases, parents may serve as both a source of comfort and fear, leading to disorganized behavior. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01k31grq2e040kqf5s8k8y6h5m)) - **Secure attachment**: Children who can depend on their caregivers show distress when separated and joy when reunited. Although the child may be upset, they feel assured that the caregiver will return. When frightened, securely attached children are comfortable seeking reassurance from caregivers. This is the most common attachment style. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01k31gs0gvtb70zr0k22sa2hd8)) - Although attachment styles displayed in adulthood are not necessarily the same as those seen in infancy, early attachments can have a serious impact on later relationships. Adults who were securely attached in childhood tend to have good self-esteem, strong romantic relationships, and the ability to self-disclose to others. Children who are securely attached as infants tend to develop stronger [self-esteem](https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-self-esteem-2795868) and better self-reliance as they grow older. These children also tend to be more independent, perform better in school, have successful social relationships, and experience less depression and anxiety. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01k31gtzvn4qb3n551yh20jsbj))