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| title | chunk | source | category | tags | date_saved | instance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Attachment in adults | 1/3 | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attachment_in_adults | reference | science, encyclopedia | 2026-05-05T15:31:27.865849+00:00 | kb-cron |
In psychology, the theory of attachment in adults examines the way in which emotional connections are approached during adulthood across a spectrum of relationship types, which is posited to originate from the bonding experience received from caregivers as an infant. Attachment theory was initially studied in the 20th century to associate infant behaviors with the attachment they had to their caregivers. The working models of children found in John Bowlby’s attachment theory demonstrate a pattern of interaction which is likely to influence adult relationships.
== Background == Mary Ainsworth and John Bowlby founded the modern-day attachment theory on studies of children to their caregivers. Children and caregivers remained the primary focus of attachment theory for many years but, in the 1980's, Sue Johnson began using attachment theory in adult therapy settings. Cindy Hazan and Phillip Shaver continued to conduct research through analyzing adult relationships. Hazan and Shaver noticed that interactions between adults were similar to interactions between children and caregivers. Adults feel comforted when their attachment figures are present, but feel more anxious, and/or lonely, when their attachment figures are absent. Romantic relationships, for example, serve as a secure base that help people face the surprises, opportunities, and challenges life presents. Similarities such as these led Hazan and Shaver to extend attachment theory to adult relationships. Relationships between adults also differ in some ways from relationships between children and caregivers. These two kinds of relationships are not identical, but the core principles of attachment theory apply to both child-caregiver relationships, and adult relationships.
== Attachment styles == Adult attachment has connected the theory to attachment styles in order to further understand behaviors, such as trust and emotional stability. Adults are described as generally relating to four attachment styles:
Secure Anxious-preoccupied Dismissive-avoidant Fearful-avoidant These attachment styles in adults can be seen to earlier connect to children's behaviors. The descriptions of adult attachment styles offered below are based on the relationship questionnaire devised by Bartholomew and Horowitz and on a review of studies by Pietromonaco and Barrett. Style and quality of attachment relationships can directly correlate with life satisfaction in adults. Average relationship duration can also be linked to the style of the participant's relationship.
=== Secure ===
Secure attachment is one of the four primary attachment styles that most often correlates with a positive view of yourself and your relationship with others. . People that have a secure attachment style are often associated with high self-esteem, and have an easier time forming healthy relationships with others. Those with a secure attachment style often manage conflict without feeling overwhelmed and are not bothered by the concepts of closeness and independence. This begins at childhood, signaling a relationship between parents and caregivers that reflects feeling loved and cared for. Children who are secure in relationships are often confident when interacting with others. It is typically seen that infants and children with this form of attachment felt safe and secure with their caregivers, and were able to communicate through their emotions. These behaviors usually continue into adulthood and allow these adults to form long term relationships without the fear of being abandoned. Many adults who have a secure attachment style have an easier time trusting in themselves and their relationships. They do not feel the need for constant reassurance, so feeling close or distant in others does not have a large impact. Someone who demonstrates the qualities of a secure attachment style is more open to discuss previous relationships and does not have a hard time opening up. In connection to romantic relationships, many securely attached individuals see happiness and trust in their relationships, and have an easier time supporting their partners despite their faults. Many of these relationships last longer and secure lovers feel strongly that their romantic love will not fade. Even though people with a secure attachment style still have relationship challenges, they have a much more positive take on these issues and often take responsibility for their faults. Conflict is not something they want to engage with, so they try to find a solution.
=== Anxious-preoccupied ===
Anxious Preoccupied Attachment (sometimes known as anxious or anxious-ambvialent) is a form of attachment where individuals view themselves negatively, and feel unsure about trusting others. This attachment style creates a sense of gaining validation through relationships as a form of self-acceptance. These individuals seek intimacy but fear that others do not want to be with them. This style was created in childhood likely because the caregivers' availability to the infant was sporadic, being sometimes emotionally unavailable. Because of this, the infant seeked reassurance that their caregiver would provide stability. This attachment during infancy is present because the caregiver is sometimes present and other times not, so the caregiver's behavior becomes inconsistent. This continues into adulthood as individuals will seek reassurance and crave intimacy, but worry about others meeting their needs, emotionally. These individuals often find it hard to feel loved by their partners, while they also have a hard time expressing their love for others. Individuals with anxious attachment seek approval by others regarding the security of the relationship. Delayed communication leads to worry by these individuals and may cause them to feel rejected. Even in stable relationships, many anxious attachment individuals worry about the state of the relationship.