The Influence of Childhood Attachment Styles on Adult Relationships

Donna L Roberts, PhD (Psych Pstuff)
Psych Pstuff
Published in
7 min readSep 21, 2024

--

We are only as needy as our unmet needs. — John Bowlby

Photo by Anastasia Zhenina on Unsplash

Childhood attachment styles, established during the formative years through interactions with primary caregivers, significantly influence how individuals navigate relationships throughout their lives. These early attachment patterns shape the way adults form and maintain romantic relationships, friendships, and professional interactions. Understanding the psychological concepts behind attachment styles provides insight into behavioral patterns and interpersonal dynamics observed in adulthood.

Overview of Attachment Theory

Attachment theory, first introduced by John Bowlby (1969), posits that the emotional bonds formed between infants and their primary caregivers serve as a blueprint for future relationships. Bowlby suggested that attachment behaviors are innate and have evolutionary significance, ensuring survival by keeping the infant close to the caregiver. Mary Ainsworth expanded on Bowlby’s work through her “Strange Situation” study, identifying distinct attachment styles based on children’s responses to separation and reunion with their caregivers (Ainsworth et al., 2015).

Attachment Styles

Secure Attachment

--

--

Donna L Roberts, PhD (Psych Pstuff)
Psych Pstuff

Writer and university professor researching the human condition, generational studies, human and animal rights, and the intersection of art and psychology