Research Paper

Christa Fieeiki
The Attachment Theory
From the moment a child is born they already teach us what they need (Attachment:
Why Its Crucial for Your Baby 1). As a child continues to grow, that sense of security is a
necessity so they can become healthy and productive adults (Bowlby 5). In psychology the term
attachment is defined as an emotional bond between an infant or toddler and primary caregiver;
a strong bond being vital for the childs normal behavioral and social
development (Attachment, def. 2). There are four distinguishable attachment styles that can be
recognized and categorized in children as secure, avoidant, ambivalent, and disorganized
attachment (McLeod, 3). Each attachment style is unique and has different characteristics that
can have long term effects on the child (Cook, Cook 3).
The attachment theory defines the term attachment as a biological instinct in which
proximity to a caregiver is sought when the child senses or perceives threat or
discomfort. (Attachment Theory, def. 3a). During the evolution of human species, it makes
more sense that the child that stayed close to their mother would survive and be able to have their
own children; creating a pattern, proving that both an infant and their mother have a biological
urge to always stay close to each other. (McLeod, 4) Being brand new to this world, children
tend to be more sensitive to their environment, putting their trust into their caregiver; depending
on that person to react to them as they coo, babble, and cry. Unbeknownst, the reaction between
a caregiver and their child creates a bond that gives the child a sense of security to explore their
environment. (Balan, 2)

The first type is secure attachment, generally considered to be the best and healthiest
style of attachment in children (Cherry, 5). This happens when there is good communication
between a child and their caregiver creating an incredibly strong bond (Efe 7). Typically the
parent of this child will tend to play and interact more with their child. Another factor depends
highly on the reaction time for the caretaker to respond to their childs crying, cooing, or
babbling causes secure attachment. (Bowlby 6)
With the knowledge that their caregiver is within a comfortable proximity, these children
are usually the ones you witness playing with other children. Secured children will display
visible signs of distress or that they are frightened when their caregiver leaves their presence
because they are no longer in a comfortable environment. Probably the most distinguishable
feature of a child who has secure attachment depends most when their caregiver returns and how
they react. Secure children readily greet the return of their parent with positive behavior. For a
short period of time of separation, comfort from a stranger can pacify them, but they clearly
prefer caretaker over any other person (Cherry, 9).
A second type of attachment is called, Avoidant Attachment. This attachment style is
seen to be developed in children whos caretaker are not there for thememotionally, at times
when the child needs them. When a child experiences that their needs (when they coo, cry or
babble) are constantly not being met, it is taken as a sign of rejection from their parent, causing
the child to do the same towards others; avoiding and rejecting any feelings of attachment from
those trying to display it. (Kendra 4)
For example, you see a child going to their parent in need of comfort because they had
fallen down, were scared, or had a bad dream (Balan 11)but, the parents do not show any
comfort towards the child (like the child expected). Instead, the child is either scolded for what

had happened to them because they were warned not to, or, are asked to just be quiet because
they are a big kid. When the child grows accustomed to these ways and cannot find any type of
comfort or assurance, or is disciplined for their action in times of distress, they learn that their
caregiver isnt someone they can depend on or avoid the feelings of attachment towards them.
Even if their caretaker comes around after so long, an avoidant child will still ignore them, and
wont seek them thereafter. (Firestone 4)
Unlike securely attached children, an avoidant attached child will not show any signs of
distress or fear when their caretaker does not leave their proximity, nor does the ruination of the
parent phase the childs behavior. Avoidant children will show little or even to preference at all
between strangers and their parents because they do not have that emotional bond that they can
depend on them. (Cherry 6)
Another form of attachment is known as ambivalent attachment which is pretty
uncommon among American infants (7%-15% display this attachment style) (Cherry 7).
Ambivalence takes place when a child is unsure whether or not their caretaker will provide,
comfort and reassure them of their needs. Unlike secure and avoidant attachment where a child
knows where they stand with their caretaker because there are obvious signs displayed if their
caretakers dependable, ambivalent childrens parent will sometimes respond to them and other
times wont respond to their distress. Because the caregiver is so confusing, an ambivalent child
does not connect with them and cannot create that bond and sense of surety that their needs will
be met (Firestone 4).
Ambivalently attached children are very suspicious of strangers and are observed to be
almost always distressed when their caregiver leaves their presence; even when they return and

attempt to calm them. Ambivalent children begin arching their backs and squirming to get away
(Firestone 5)
Disorganized attachment is the fourth type of attachment displayed in children. When a
child has that sense of security of comfort and assurance, they feel comfortable enough to
explore and venture out, knowing they have a safe place to return to. Disorganized attachment is
caused by an abusive caregiver, who suffers from some kind of disorder; for example, a mother
may suffer from depression because her mother died while she was still in high school. Because
she holds on to this pain it causes her child to develop disorganized attachment (Attachment:
Why Its Crucial for Your baby 5). These children experience abuse physically and emotionally.
Instinct tells them to escape to safety, though safety may be coming from the very person
frightening them (Firestone 3).
A child who does not show consistent pattern of responses is labeled as disorganized
(Firestone 2). The parent may leave their presence and they will begin to display signs of an
ambivalent child, distressed and scared but as soon as their caretaker returns their first thought is
to seek comfort from them. As they begin to come closer to their safety they begin to have
second thoughts, immediately pulling away and even in some circumstances running away from
their parent, curling up in a ball or displaying signs of violence of hitting towards their parent
because they are either confused or apprehensive in the presence of them.
Through research and experiments, psychologist have been able to conclude that each
attachment pattern established in a childs early life has huge impact and effects their
relationships and social skills when they become adults. (Cherry 6) As adults, children who had
secure attachment, have higher self-esteem and are comfortable enough to seek social support.
The have trusting and lasting relationships, unlike children had ambivalent attachment. They are

reluctant to become close to others and constantly worry about those they build friendships with.
Children who displayed avoidance in their childhood tend to invest little emotion in their social
and romantic life and refuse to share feeling with anyone. Lastly children, who were labeled with
disorganized attachment, as early as 6-years-old begin to act as a caregiver towards their
caregiver, even so taking on the parental role. (Kendra, 4)