Ikran Osman
Understanding Human behaviour : An independent exploration
Attachment is a key concept in psychology particularly in understanding how early
relationships influence emotional development.Attachment relates to the emotional
connection/ bond that forms between an infant and their mother.This reports aims to explain
the importance of attachments and how it shapes they way human emotions develop and
the potential consequences/outcomes of different attachment styles on future relationships
and psychological health.I chose this topic because of its foundational role in influencing
human behaviour and mental health throughout life.Understanding how attachments works
provides insight into the emotional and psychological challenges people face; and the
importance of secure relationships from early ages.
A key question structuring this report is :How do early relationships-through attachment-
influence development in children and adults?
Key concepts and theories following this start with the attachment theory originating from the
studies of John Bowlby, a psychologist in the 20th century ;proposing that the bond formed
between and infant and their mother is essential for survival and emotional
development.John Bowlby argued that tendencies to be become attached to someone is
biologically driven, and infants instinctively seek for security and familiarity from their care
givers.This need for seeking a secure base is fundamental to exploring the world and
developing independence .Adding on to John Bowlby's theory another psychologist Mary
ainsworth expanded on this using her “ Strange Situation” experiment ; where in this study
she placed infants in a room with their caregiver and exposed them to series of separation
and reunions with both their caregivers and a stranger.She concluded based on their
responses that there were three main attachment styles they presented:Secure, Insecure-
avoidant and insecure -anxious attachment styles.Secure attachment typically explored their
environments when the caregiver was present and displayed distress when their caregiver
was absent ;then seeking comfort upon their return.Insecure-avoidant attachment styles
showed that children avoided their caregiver during reunions after separations; meaning they
did not want to seek comfort leading to emotional withdrawal.Due to these tendencies as an
adult they may struggle with emotional closeness and avoid intimacy in future
relationships.Lastly , Insecure-anxious attachment style presenting infants presented to be
overly dependent on their caregiver and displayed exaggerated distress when separated
from their caregiver .In future relationships , this pattern can lead to anxiety in future
relationships as they may constantly seek validation and overly fear abandonment.
The “Strange Situation” study is one of most well known experiments in the attachment
research area and its findings have been remade and duplicated across different cultures
and population..The study revealed that 60 to 70% of children present secure attachment,
while the remaining show insecure patterns.This experiment highlighted the fundamental
role of the caregivers/ mothers responses and sensitivity in forming secure
attachments.When caregivers are consistently responsive to their infants needs, it creates
sense of security and trust which forms the foundation of healthy emotional development.
Research has shown that children with secure attachments generally have better social
skills,higher self esteem and better emotional regulation in contrast to children children with
insecure attachments where they will likely struggle with forming relationships in the future
and be more prone to anxiety.For example a study by Carlson et al (1998) demonstrated
that children with disorganised attachments tendencies are more likely to develop
personality disorders and develop a habit for risky behaviours in their later life.
The attachment theory is not only relevant to a parent child relationships but also to a wide
range of other human interactions.Securely attached children tend to have more fulfilling
friendships and succeed better in school and relationships as they feel safe to explore and
learn.For example a study by Thompson(1998) proved that securely attached children were
able to resolve conflicts and express their emotions appropriately in social settings in a
mannerly order than Insecure attached children.
Attachment patterns also significantly influence emotional regulation which is an elemental
component of mental health .Those with secure attachments generally present greater
emotional stability as thy will have learned to trust that others will respond to their needs.On
the other hand, individuals with insecure attachments will often struggle to manage their
emotions; leading to anxiety or difficulty in forming and maintaining relationships.
In conclusion attachment plays a crucial role in influencing emotional development from
early relationships, beginning from infancy through to adulthood.Early relationships with
caregivers/ mothers influence how individuals will perceive themselves and others
additionally including how they regulate their emotions and how they from future
relationships .Understanding attachment is essential in psychology as it provides a baseline
for addressing mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and relationships
issues.Awareness of attachment styles can govern therapeutic approaches and parental and
educational strategies to create a healthier emotional development .
References :
● Ainsworths, M.D S.,Blehar,M. C., Walters, E., & Wall, S. (1978).Pattern of
attachment.A psychological study of the strange situations
● Bowlby,J. (1969).Attachment and Loss: volume 1. Attachment.
● Carlson,E.A., Sroufe L. A., & England B. (1998). The construction of experience : A
Longitudinal study of representation and behaviour .Child Development 69(1), 110-
129
