Attachment Styles

Types and their effects in adult personality

Authors

  • S. Sharmila M.Sc., Counseling Psychologist
  • Dr. Magesh Rajagopal MBBS, MRC Psych(UK)

Keywords:

attachment theory, attachment styles, avoidant attachment, ambivalent attachment, disorganized attachment, john bowlby, mary ainsworth, strange situation experiment, early childhood development, parent-child relationship, emotional bonding, developmental psychology, emotional regulation, secure attachment, dismissive attachment, caregiver behaviour, interpersonal dynamics, emotional well-being, child and carer attachment, attachment types, இணைப்புக் கோட்பாடு, இணைப்பு பாணிகள், தவிர்க்கும் இணைப்பு, தெளிவற்ற இணைப்பு, ஒழுங்கற்ற இணைப்பு, ஜான் பவுல்பி, மேரி ஐன்ஸ்வொர்த், விசித்திரமான சூழ்நிலை பரிசோதனை, குழந்தை பருவ வளர்ச்சி, பெற்றோர்-குழந்தை உறவு, உணர்ச்சி பிணைப்பு, வளர்ச்சி உளவியல், உணர்ச்சி ஒழுங்குமுறை, பாதுகாப்பான இணைப்பு, புறக்கணிக்கும் இணைப்பு, பராமரிப்பாளர் நடத்தை, தனிப்பட்ட இயக்கவியல், உணர்ச்சி நல்வாழ்வு, குழந்தை மற்றும் பராமரிப்பாளர் இணைப்பு, இணைப்பு வகைகள்

Abstract

This article explores the foundational concept of attachment styles, which refers to the emotional bonds formed between children and their primary caregivers, especially during early developmental stages. Rooted in the attachment theory proposed by John Bowlby and expanded upon by Mary Ainsworth, the article emphasizes how early interactions—particularly a caregiver’s sensitivity and responsiveness—significantly shape a child’s emotional and social development. Through Ainsworth’s “Strange Situation” experiments, researchers identified three primary attachment styles: Secure, Avoidant, and Ambivalent, with a later addition of the disorganized style. The article provides detailed descriptions of each style, explaining how these patterns emerge based on caregiver behaviour and consistency of care. It also highlights how these early relational templates can influence future interpersonal dynamics, emotional regulation, and mental health in adulthood. This article thus emphasizes, by understanding attachment styles, mental health professionals, educators, and parents can foster healthier relationships and support emotional well-being from infancy through adulthood.

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Published

17-06-2025

Citation

S. Sharmila, & Magesh. (2025). Attachment Styles: Types and their effects in adult personality. Tamil Psychiatry Journal, 1(1), 27–30. Retrieved from https://tamilpsychiatryjournal.com/index.php/journal/article/view/31