Adult Attachment Theory: Understanding Relationships
Harshini Chandrasekaran
Attachment theory isn’t just about children! In fact, the bonds we form as adults are deeply rooted in the relationships we had with our caregivers as infants. Let's explore how this theory helps us understand adult intimacy and relationships!Part 1: What is Attachment Theory?Attachment theory was developed by John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth to explain how infants bond with caregivers. These early relationships shape how we build and maintain bonds throughout our lives.Part 2: Attachment Bonds in AdulthoodAs we grow, our need for physical caregiving decreases, but our emotional needs for love and support remain. In adulthood, we continue to form close bonds with significant others, often based on the early models of attachment we experienced in childhood.Part 3: Types of AttachmentDepending on how responsive and sensitive our caregivers were, we develop either secure or insecure attachment styles. These styles influence how we relate to others as adults.Secure Attachment: People feel confident in their relationships and trust others.Insecure Attachment: People may experience anxiety, fear of abandonment, or struggle with emotional closeness.Part 4: The Role of Adult AttachmentEven though adults are more independent, the need for emotional support from loved ones remains crucial. According to Erik Erikson, establishing intimacy is a key task in early adulthood.Conclusion :So next time you think about your relationships, remember—they’re deeply connected to your earliest experiences. Attachment theory helps us understand how we bond and why these connections are so important throughout life. Thank you for watching, and take a moment today to reflect on how these factors are shaping your own story.