Attachment in eight minutes:

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Attachment theory is a psychological model that explains how early relationships between a child and their caregiver(s) can shape the child's emotional and social development. The theory suggests that a child's attachment style is determined by their experiences with their primary caregiver(s) in the first few years of life.

There are four main attachment styles:

  1. Secure attachment: characterized by a child who is comfortable exploring their environment and seeks comfort from their caregiver when needed.

  2. Anxious-ambivalent attachment: characterized by a child who is clingy and preoccupied with their caregiver, and may be resistant to exploration.

  3. Avoidant attachment: characterized by a child who avoids or ignores their caregiver and appears emotionally distant.

  4. Disorganized attachment: characterized by a child who displays inconsistent or erratic behaviors and may show signs of fear or confusion around their caregiver.

Attachment theory suggests that a child's attachment style can have long-lasting effects on their relationships and behavior later in life, and that therapy can help individuals who have experienced insecure attachment to develop more secure relationships.

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January 17, 2013
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