Science & Research:
Attachment Theory

What Is Attachment Theory?

Attachment is “the deep, abiding confidence a baby has in the availability and responsiveness of the caregiver.” – Alan Sroufe, PhD, University of Minnesota Institute for Child Development

Attachment Theory explains how the parent-child relationship is established, emerges, and influences the child’s short- and long-term development.

Note: Attachment Theory is not to be confused with “Attachment Parenting” which promotes a list of specific behaviors to create healthy attachment. There are many ways to create healthy/secure attachment with your child; not just one set of behaviors. In fact, I’ve seen people practicing Attachment Parenting who are not at all attuned to their own children.

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Why Is Attachment Theory Important?

Children need to feel that they are physically and emotionally safe with their primary caregiver(s) in order to grow into well-adjusted people. Attachment Theory states that the quality of the early attachment reverberates well into later childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.

A 35-year long study showed that children with a secure attachment history were more likely to develop:

• A greater sense of self-agency

• Better emotional regulation

• Higher self-esteem

• Better coping under stress

• Closer friendships in middle childhood

• Better coordination of friendships and social groups in adolescence

• More trusting and positive romantic relationships in adulthood

• Greater social competence

• More leadership qualities

• Happier and better relationships with parents and siblings

Source: Minnesota Longitudinal Study of Risk and Adaptation, Institute of Child Development | MLSRA 35-Year Study

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Who Are The Leading Experts?

​Attachment theory has evolved from work by numerous researchers, primarily John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth, and later Mary Main.

(Ainsworth, 1982; Ainsworth, 1985; Ainsworth, Blehar, Waters, & Wall, 1978; Bowlby, 1969/1982; Bowlby, 1973; Bowlby, 1980; Main, Kaplan, & Cassidy, 1985)

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What Research Proves Attachment Theory?

Ample research studies show that a child’s first primary attachment has short- and long-term effects on their relationships. Further, a child’s early attachment style informs the way she/he/they behave in their future relationships and can dictate their health and longevity. Having a healthy attachment style is established in early childhood and is essential to healthy adult relationships.

Here are a few published studies to review:

• Bowlby J. Attachment and Loss. London: Hogarth Press; 1969.

• Minnesota Longitudinal Study of Risk and Adaptation, Institute of Child Development

• Felitti VJ. The relation between adverse childhood experiences and adult health: turning gold into lead. Z Psychosom Med Psychother. 2002;48:359–369

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Important Attachment Theory Findings

• The style of a child’s first attachment creates the blueprint for their future relationships.

• The precursors of emotional disorders can be found in early attachment experiences

• Children's attachment patterns are substantially influenced by those of their parents.

• Poor childhood attachment relates to adult physical and psychological ill-health.

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