The 7 Types Of Emotional Attachment (and Psychological Effects)
Affection, friendship, love… are concepts linked to the fact of expressing an emotional connection with another person, which is relevant to us and to which we feel united.
Is about a type of emotional relationship of great importance for us and that arises from childhood with our parents, relatives or main caregivers (later this will mark our way of relating not only with them but also with other people).
But not all of us have the same ways of relating or bonding with others, depending on our experiences and perceptions regarding what the type of relationship we maintain implies (predictability, security, physical expression of affection…) or on factors such as temperament. That is why in reality we can talk about various types of attachment In this article we will see what they are.
It is understood as attachment to the type of emotional and affective bond that arises between two individuals and that generates the will to remain close or in contact with the other, generally with a preference for physical closeness. This concept is fundamental in close relationships and the ability to feel it is present throughout life.
It is possible to feel attachment to all types of people and beings, including pets, or even inanimate objects. It is not something specifically human, and manifestations of attachment can be observed in a large number of animals.
This phenomenon has been studied by a large number of researchers. Among them, the figure of John Bowlby, creator of attachment theory, stands out This author analyzed the attachment in babies to maternal figures, exploring how caregivers transform for children into elements that transmit security, well-being and affection.
His theory initially saw attachment as a relationship whose goal was the search for these elements by the baby, being a mechanism of evolutionary origin and marked in our genes (it is not something conscious) that allows the child to be protected and survive.
Another great figure in the study of attachment was Mary Ainsworth which investigated and carried out various experiments that in fact led to the generation of a classification between different types of attachment in childhood.
To do this, he carried out the well-known strange situation experiment, in which The behavior of children is analyzed in the presence and absence of the maternal figure in a series of situations that include leaving him alone, in the presence of a stranger and various combinations in which behavior is analyzed with respect to the environment and the search for security in the mother when she is present.
The major types of attachment in childhood
Four main types of attachment have been observed in childhood, extracted from the observation of babies’ behavior in experiments such as Ainsworth’s.
These types of attachment are mainly divided into a single type of secure attachment (this being the majority type of attachment) and three types of insecure attachment.
1. Secure attachment
The so-called secure attachment, which has been revealed as the most common type of attachment in childhood, refers to the existence of a type of bond in which the presence of the relevant figure allows a relatively calm exploration of the environment, using it as a mechanism or safe base to return to in moments of discomfort or fear This search will become active as necessary.
The absence or departure of the attachment figure generates discomfort and anguish, reducing their activity and expressing concern, and their return is always or almost always welcomed. This search stems from the knowledge that the attachment figure will respond to one’s needs if necessary.
2. Ambivalent attachment
A different type of attachment from the previous one, which would fall within the types of insecure attachment, is ambivalent or resistant. This type of attachment is based on the existence of doubts regarding whether the attachment figure will truly respond to your needs, not being sure if you can count on his or her presence.
This may be due to inconsistent contact in which the child’s needs are sometimes met correctly and in others they are either not attended to or are not well understood, with the child not knowing what to expect.
Children with this type of attachment tend to remain close to the mother or attachment figure at all times, partly due to insecurity, and their departure causes extreme suffering. Despite this, her return does not imply a quick and happy approach but rather a certain rejection and resentment at what they could consider abandonment, although they tend to approach and seek contact.
3. Avoidant attachment
In this type of attachment, also insecure, we can observe how the subject tends not to seek security and protection in the attachment figure When she leaves, they do not usually show great levels of suffering or fear and her return is not particularly celebrated, with a certain level of indifference or avoidance of contact with her.
The reason for this may be that the attachment figure may have been considered slow or insensitive to the needs of the child, especially with regard to affection and protection. They may feel unsupported or that their needs are rejected, which can lead to avoidance as a way of defending themselves from the discomfort associated with feelings of abandonment.
4. Disorganized attachment
A much less prevalent type of attachment than any of the previous ones, disorganized attachment would correspond to a mixture of the previous two types of insecure attachment. It is generally observed in environments in which attachment figures are both positive and negative, a source of both satisfaction and harm. It is more common in situations of abuse and domestic violence
The behaviors shown are inconsistent: on the one hand the absence of the attachment figure is unsettling, but at the same time they can relax because of it. Likewise, his return can be received with fear or joy but without seeking closeness. They may seek active avoidance of contact, or manifest strange or changing patterns depending on the situation.
The previous types of attachment are mainly focused on those that emerge throughout early childhood, in interaction with mother But these types of attachment do not stay the same, but as the child grows and becomes an adult, the type of attachment generates a more or less habitual style of thought and interpersonal relationship.
In this sense, we can find up to three main types of attachment in adults, according to the research carried out by Hazan and Shaver in which they made adults define the type of feelings they had in their personal relationships.
1. Adult secure attachment
About half of the population has this type of attachment, in which there is usually no frequent concern about abandonment of the environment or overcommitment
In interaction with others, comfort, tranquility and trust prevail, being able to have equivalent interactions with peers and other attachment figures. They consider themselves deserving of affection and tend toward warmth and stability. Self-esteem is good, they have independence and seek positive relationships.
2. Adult avoidant attachment
A person with avoidant attachment will tend as an adult to have difficulties trusting others and to feel uncomfortable in intimate relationships. Generally, contacts tend to be more superficial, and there may be discomfort and difficulties when expressing deep aspects to others. They tend to be less sociable, although this does not mean that they cannot enjoy relationships. They can be self-repressive, elusive and appear cold.
3. Adult ambivalent attachment
Ambivalent attachment appears in adulthood as a way of relating in which one may think that one is less valued than one deserves. One’s own identity and self-concept may be damaged, with insecurity regarding wanting/not wanting or being/not being loved. An intimate and deep relationship is desired, but this can generate a certain reluctance and fear It is not uncommon for this attachment to generate situations of dependence or codependency, as well as fear of abandonment.
