Attachment Theory and Close Relationships

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Summary: It's all about Attachment Theory
Review: In order to enjoy this book it is important to understand what attachment style is. The book describes Bowlby's (1969/1982) working model framework. Bowlby's (1969/1982) theory concluded that there are tendencies that are part of an attachment system, that functions to regulate the type and amount of contact between infants and their primary attachment figures. According to Bowlby, this system not only covers the infant's biological needs but their emotional needs as well. His theory states that if the proper contact is made between the caregiver and the infant, the infant will have a more successful transition into adulthood. Bowlby hypothesized that infants first use the attachment figure as a sort of proximity maintenance. This suggests that infants enjoy the presence of the caregiver and protest any separations from him or her. Secondly Bowlby thought the caregiver served as a safe haven for the infant, such that the infant would seek the parent for reassurance and safety. Finally, it was Bowlby's conclusion that the child used the caregiver as a secure base from which he or she could explore the environment. If the child did not find the parent as a secure base, he or she may have problems developing and maintaining relationships. Many studies have used this idea and built off of it for adult relationships such as Bartholomew and Ainsworth. Using many current respectable studies. The book is very detailed and easy to follow. I highly reccommend it to anyone doing research in this area.