The term 'attachment' usually refers to John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth's model (in psychological theory). Their work back in 1960s was the origin of attachment theory.
The focus of this early research was in the context of childhood experiences with primary caregivers.
Perhaps more importantly, they looked at how childhood experiences might effect a person's expectations, beliefs, and behaviours in other relationships throughout their lifetime.
Ok, so what does this mean?
The model might help you understand how you relate to others - your own attachment style - and how it may impact the relationships you have. It attempts to explain how you might conceptually relate or connect to others in the world around you, e.g. why you may fear abandonment in a relationship (see adult anxious-preoccupied below).
Attachment theory suggests if you have secure attachment experiences as a child, the likelihood is you are more likely to have secure attachments with others in adulthood. Conversely, having insecure attachment experiences, perhaps inconsistent or neglectful, you may struggle to form and maintain close relationships in adulthood.
I can't change my childhood - what can I do?
By recognising patterns and working to develop more secure attachment behaviours, you can improve your relationships and overall well-being. This can happen through experiences of supportive and nurturing relationships, therapy, or personal growth and reflection.
Overall, attachment theory helps to explain how early childhood experiences can have a lasting impact on adult relationships and provides some insight into how we can work to build more secure and healthy relationships.
Have a read of the attachment styles below and see how you relate to them (pun intended):
Attachment Styles in Children
From Bowly & Ainsworth's 'strange situation' (method of research), they decided children exhibit four main attachment styles:
Secure
Children feeling safe and secure with their primary caregiver, who will seek comfort / support from them when upset. These kids are able to explore the world around with confidence.
Avoidant
Children tend to be emotionally distant from their caregiver and may avoid seeking comfort from them. Also referred to as insecure-avoidant attachment.
Ambivalent
Children tend to be anxious or uncertain if caregiver will support their needs, literally ambivalent towards them. They may be clingy or demanding of attention, and easily upset if caregiver leaves them. Also referred to as insecure-resistant attachment.
Disorganised
Children exhibiting a mix of behaviours and reactions, often linked with trauma and / or abuse. Also referred to as disoriented attachment.
Attachment Styles in Adults
Psychologists Cindy Hazan and Phillip Shaver identified and named attachment styles of adults slightly differently in the late 1980s. The study focus was on how individuals (as adults) form and maintain close relationships with romantic partners and close friends.
They put forward that whilst the basic patterns of attachment behaviour are thought to be similar throughout life, specific behaviours and experiences characterising attachment styles in childhood can differ in adulthood.
Perhaps somewhat confusingly they came up with four adult attachment styles named very similar to that of child attachment, albeit they are somewhat different. These styles of attachment are:
Secure Attachment
Securely attached adults tend to have positive views of themselves and their partners, as well as high levels of trust, intimacy, and communication in their relationships.
Anxious-preoccupied
Adults preoccupied with their relationships, worrying about rejection or abandonment.
Dismissive-avoidant
Individuals tending to downplay the importance of relationships and may avoid genuine intimacy.
Fearful-avoidant
Individuals may have conflicting feelings about relationships and may fear both intimacy and rejection.
Final Words on Attachment
It's worth noting, although attachment styles for any of us can be relatively stable over time, they are not necessarily the same in childhood and adulthood.
It is also possible for people to have different attachment styles in different relationships and situations, e.g. cultivating a secure attachment style with a romantic partner yet still having an anxious or avoidant attachment style with their father.
You may be feeling confused or anxious about your attachment style, the theory can be a lot to take in and digest. However, it is not a reference to what's 'wrong' with you, nor a diagnosis, it is intended to offer insight and perspective, so you may look to change if understand patterns in relation to others.
It is definitely possible for anyone to develop a more secure attachment style in adulthood, even if they had an insecure attachment style in childhood. Consider your feelings and behaviours in relationships; all of us can do the work to try and change this.