Angelina Beatriz B.

Claveria March 15, 2020

John Bowlby: Attachment Theory

John Bowlby is a British Child Psychiatrist and Psychoanalyst who proposed the attachment
theory. This was theory was further improved by Mary Ainsworth (an American Psychoanalyst), Harlow
and Zimmerman. Attachment theory describes the long-lasting relationship or psychological connection
of a caregiver or meaningful person that causes a child to feel relax and safe. The quality and quantity of
attachment has its critical effect on a child’s development. Bowlby was interested with understanding
the separation anxiety and distress of a children’s experience when lost connection with the caregiver.

There are four phases of attachment theory: Pre attachment Phase (Birth-6 weeks), Attachment
in Making Phases (6 weeks – 8 months), Clear Cut Attachment Phase (8 months – 2 years) and Formation
of Reciprocal Relationship (2 years and on). The Pre-attachment phase is where an infant has not yet
developed attachment to their mothers. Attachment in Making phase is when an infant starts to have
his/her “Sense of Trust” but will not have any problems in separation with the caregiver. Clear Cut
Attachment phase is where an infant can now display “Separation Anxiety” where the Attachment Styles
can begin. The child will begin to experience stress when their caregiver leaves and can give them short
anxiety. Formation of Reciprocal Relationship phase is where the child continues to grow and learn that
separation to caregiver can be managed. The child will be better and more confident in pursuing life.

There are different attachment styles according to Bowlby. If a child develops a secure
relationship with his caregiver, he will be more confident and sociable as an adult. But it is different if
the child grows up with an insecure relationship. Anxious Avoidant Attachment is when a child grows up
without full trust that the caregiver can provide his needs, they will grow up distant with their caregiver
and may have problems entering relationships. Anxious Ambivalent Attachment is when the child feels a
mixture of aggressiveness and helplessness towards their caregiver. They may feel passive because they
experienced the inconsistency of his caregiver’s behavior. As an adult, they will have a hard time inside
relationship because of their sudden changes in moods. The last attachment is the
Disorganized/Disoriented Attachment where the child has grown up with the extreme measures of
attachment. They may have dealt with trauma/extreme punishment or stress. With this, the child grows
up with low confidence and thinks that he is not worthy of love.

With every attachment style is where a child develops his relational/social attitude towards
others. When a grows up with good and secure parenting, they grow up successful with a good
emotional quotient. Now with the attachment insecurities, relationships will be harder and they may
feel distant with long commitments or they may be vulnerable to manipulation and such. For me, I
experienced a Disorganized Attachment. My parents weren’t there most of my time growing up because
they are working. But then, they got me a nanny where after a year they found out that the nanny was
not providing my needs and that she hurts me physically. With the trauma and the lack of connection
with my own parents, I grew up feeling that love was never meant for me. I was so easily manipulated as
a child. When I was grade 6, my teacher who I had a crush for a long time decided to have a relationship
with me. As a troubled child with an ongoing family crisis, I agreed and after a year, he almost raped me.
It was then that I kept feeling more and more unworthy of love. My parents only knew this happened
like last year when I opened it up because of another parental drama (Me and my life has so much
drama I can’t even believe I’m still alive right now). This may be a theory, but it holds true to me. What
happens in childhood can affect your entire adulthood, you can only change it if you decide to turn
everything around.
REFERENCES

Backes, L. & Simpson, J.A (2016, August 30). Attachment Theory. Retrieved from
https://www.britannica.com/science/attachment-theory.

Cherry, K. (2019, July 17). Bowlby & Ainsworth: What Is Attachment Theory? Retrieved from
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-attachment-theory-2795337.

David, L. (2016, January 24). Attachment Theory (Bowlby). Retrieved from https://www.learning-
theories.com/attachment-theory-bowlby.html.

IJzendoorn, M.V. (2019, September). Attachment at an Early Age (0-5) and its Impact on Children’s
Development. Retrieved from http://www.child-encyclopedia.com/attachment/according-
experts/attachment-early-age-0-5-and-its-impact-childrens-development.

Sincero, S.M. (2012, March 17). Bowlby Attachment Theory. Retrieved from
https://explorable.com/bowlby-attachment-theory.

Sprouts (2018, May 30. The Attachment Theory: How Childhood Affects Life. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjOowWxOXCg.