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The Four Patterns of Attachment

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22 views3 pages

The Four Patterns of Attachment

Uploaded by

mitamitatracy
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© © All Rights Reserved
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The four patterns of attachment

Attachment behaviors are defined as behaviors that draw a person closer to a preferred

caregiver by triggering a physiological response in the individual. Essentially, attachment

styles are our preferred methods of communicating with and attaching ourselves to the

individuals who are the most important in our lives (Ainsworth et al., 2015). The behaviors

and mindsets we exhibit in our closest relationships are influenced by these styles. The four

different forms of attachment patterns include: secure, avoidant, disorganized and

resistant/ambivalent attachment pattern.

Secure attachment

Individuals with this attachment style understand how to maintain proper boundaries while

remaining totally engaged in their relationships. They frequently approach partnerships with

certainty. They have a low level of anxiety towards their relationships. For children who have

secure attachments, they will freely explore their environment in the presence of the

parent/caregiver however, the child will constantly check on their parent/caregiver and will

stop playing when their parent/caregiver is not present. Individuals with a secure attachment

style speak effectively on a wide variety of subjects, including some that are difficult (Slade

& Holmes, 2019). A person with a secure attachment type is typically hopeful about their

relationships and is able to communicate their needs and wishes openly.

Avoidant attachment

Attachment avoidance can take the form of detached or distant behavior. An avoidant person

might think of themselves as independent and self-sufficient. These people may be torn

between their desire for and fear about forming close relationships. It is possible that they

crave the benefits of close relationships but are apprehensive about the costs of commitment

and vulnerability (Holmes & Holmes, 2014). Children in avoidant attachment situations
appear to be unconcerned by the absence or presence of a caregiver. This child frequently

does not cry when separated from the parent, avoids and ignores the parent upon reunion by

leaning out of arms if carried turning away, or moving away and exhibits little or no

proximity or contact seeking, as well as little anger or sadness upon separation.

Ambivalent/Resistant attachment

A person who ambivalent attachment has conflicting feelings about the object of their

affection may want to be as close as possible to the object of their affection. They may be

quite distraught about being away from the object of their affection (Ainsworth et al., 2015).

Anger or despair may be shown in order to reunite with the object of their affection.

Emotional displays may act as a reminder to the object of their devotion, or as a form of

retaliation for them breaking up with them. When a caregiver responds inconsistently to their

baby's distress signals, it might cause a child's resistance to bonding. "Clingy" behaviors for

example, may be a sign of ambivalent attachment.

Disorganized attachment

Disorganized attachment is a sort of insecure attachment at its most extreme. Individuals who

exhibit this attachment type may appear distant or withdrawn at times. Individuals with a

dismissive-avoidant attachment style may be particularly averse to commitment. They can

assert that they are opposed to being confined. Attachment partners who are dismissive-

avoidant can display their independence through their interests or jobs. They may have a

vibrant social life that is separate from their personal connections. A person with a

dismissive-avoidant attachment style is more likely to exhibit narcissistic characteristics or be

more passive-aggressive than someone with another attachment style (Slade & Holmes,

2019). Most people with disorganized attachment have been subjected to some type of abuse

or have a caregiver who has been traumatized by a significant loss or abuse. Whereas the
other three attachment groups have ordered mechanisms for coping with situations,

individuals in disorganized attachment relationships either lack an organized pattern of

behavior or have techniques that consistently fail.

Attachment pattern in Joe the King movie

All through the film, numerous members of Joe's family demonstrate signs of disorganized

attachment. Joe and his brother both exhibit fear or anxiety toward their caregiver; this is

demonstrated by instances in which Joe sought emotional sanctuary from his father's

instability, but his mother lacked the capacity to provide it. The mother's lack of emotional

nurturing abilities worsened Joe and his brother's fear and anxiety, as they believed they

should be able to rely on their mother for emotional stability but were confused as to why she

was unable to provide it. Joe developed an aversion to his father as a result of the physical,

mental, and verbal abuse he received from him. Joe demonstrated relief by being more

involved with his mother and sibling when his father was not present. Joe also loved his time

with his friends throughout the film. When his father was there, Joe displayed signs of

uneasiness or resentment toward him.

References

Ainsworth, M. D. S., Blehar, M. C., Waters, E., & Wall, S. N. (2015). Patterns of

attachment: A psychological study of the strange situation. Psychology Press.

Holmes, J., & Holmes, J. (2014). John Bowlby and Attachment Theory (2nd ed.). Routledge.

Slade, A., & Holmes, J. (2019). Attachment and psychotherapy. Current Opinion in

Psychology, 25, 152–156.

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