How does attachment theory explain behavior, and what are the three forms of attachment?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Attachment theory suggests that healthy personality development in young children requires a warm, intimate, and continuous relationship with the primary caregiver. Children lacking such a relationship are more likely to engage in maladjusted behavior.

Attachment theory postulates three forms of attachment. Secure attachment is a healthy form of attachment and develops when a child is confident that the mother figure will be responsible and available when needed. Anxious-avoidant attachment develops when children feel rejection and develop a lack of confidence in the support and care of the parent. Anxious-resistant attachment develops from similar experiences and results in feelings of uncertainty, causing the child to feel anxious, to become fearful of his or her environment, and to cling to potential caregivers and partners. The latter two forms of attachment are nonsecure, and may lead to delinquent behavior.