Type and development attachment theory

From very young we have felt a strong connection with those who took care of us. However, these connections do not always derive in adequate relationships between the baby and his caregiver.

In the parks we can find great differences between the relationships that each of the children have with their fathers and mothers. This union developed by infants, since they are babies, towards their caregivers, is what is known as attachment.

However, we must take into account that not all types of attachments are good and adequate, but while some can help infants to develop correctly, others may lead to problems in adulthood.

Therefore in psychology-online we intend to explain each of the possible attachments that a baby can develop and how this will influence its future.

1. What is attachment theory in psychology
2. What are the types of attachment
3. Safe attachment
4. Insecure attachment
5. Evasive attachment
6. Disorganized attachment

What is attachment theory in psychology

The human being needs to feel attachment and have some unconditional affective references to support him. Without them, normal psychological development is not possible. There is what is considered a privileged relationship between the baby and his caregiver or caregiver.

Keep in mind that attachment defines the feeling it has A baby towards your caregiver, But not on the contrary, because what caregivers develop (usually mothers) towards babies is known as bond (loop).

The attachment appears between 6 and 8 months, which is when the baby recognizes his parents. In the following article you will find more information about the phases and attachment development. There are a number of indicators in the behavior of babies who mark the existence of this attachment:

• Separation anxiety
• Anxiety against strangers
• Proximity behaviors (follow their caregivers when they move away from them)

What are the types of attachment

Ainsworth was the first psychologist to design an experimental situation that allowed him to determine whether a child had attachment or not and, in turn, be able to define the different types of attachment that existed. Established three different types of attachment, However in the 80s One more was added To the list.

• Safe attachment.
• Insecure attachment.
• Evasive attachment.
• Disorganized attachment.

To explain below the different types of attach.

Safe attachment

The boy or girl Play in a quiet way while her mother is in the room, but that becomes crying when the caregiver gets up and leaves the room without taking it. The baby's crying is not exaggerated And, at the same time the mother enters, she is interrupted. In this type of attachment the child will not have problems restoring the relationship with his caregiver. According to statistics, children who develop this type of attachment have a Better cognitive development.

These babies are able to obtain the comfort they need and demonstrate Effectiveness, flexibility and resilience When they face stressful situations. They are usually cooperative and show a low level of irritation.

If in their childhood, children have this type of attachment, when developing, they will have enough confidence to have an active participation in society. In general, this type of boys and girls usually have a broader and more varied vocabulary. They are children more curious, competent, empathic and resilient that usually get better with other infants, so that they form much closer friendships, which will allow them in the future to show a good social adjustment.

Insecure attachment

This type of attachment is also known by professionals as anxious or ambivalent. The boy or girl will only interact with what surrounds him (in this case the toys) if his mother is very close to him. At the precise moment when the caregiver leaves the room, this will cry in an exaggerated way. Is considered ambivalent for the child's reaction when the mother enters the room again, because she will first be angry with her for having left him. After a few minutes what will do will be to grab it and not release it.

The insecure attachment causes problems and difficulties regarding cognitive and learning development. They tend to present inhibitions and negative emotions in childhood, as well as hostility towards other people. Infants with this type of attachment are prone to have behavior problems and to develop psychiatric disorders From 17 years. In the following article you will find strategies for infants with behavioral problems.

Evasive attachment

The minor is completely independent of his mother, You will be safe to explore your environment whether it is present as if not. Besides When the mother leaves the place does not show any reaction, but keep doing your things. The same happens when the caregiver returns, the child does not react significantly. They are characterized by Show few emotions, whether positive or negative.

Disorganized attachment

The child's relationship with his parents is as his name indicates: disorganized, because this does not know what is the behavior to have towards his parents. It is considered that this type of attachment can be developed in unstructured families or in those infants victims of abuse.

This type of attachment is the least safe of all, as infants seem to lack an organized strategy to deal with stress that can produce a strange situation. They usually show contradictory, repetitive or poorly directed behaviors.

Disorganized attachment is a reliable predictor Subsequent behavior problems and adjustment.

In the following article you will find more information about the consequences of each of the types of attachment.

This article is merely informative, in psychology-online we have no power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

If you want to read more articles similar to Attachment Theory: Types and Development, We recommend that you enter our category of evolutionary psychology.