An Important Aspect Of Intimate Relationships And The...

What is attachment and why is it an important aspect of intimate relationships and the human condition? Attachment and attachment theory states that there is a strong affectional tie that binds a person to an intimate companion (Sigelman Rider, 2015). One of the first theorists that formulated this theory was John Bowlby. He proposed that, based on infants interactions with caregivers, infants construct expectations about relationships in the form of internal working models- cognitive representations of themselves and other people that guide their processing of social information and behavior in relationships (Sigelman Rider, 2015). This research was further elaborated by Mary Ainsworth and her colleagues, who believed there were three†¦show more content†¦In avoidant attachments the infant senses the detachment and unpredictable behavior. The infant shows avoidance with the mother as a means of defense (Strong Cohen, 2014). About 15 percent of infants in our society have avoidant attachments. Lastly, a fourth style was found later called disorganized-disoriented attachment, which can occur with some infants, who do not show the first three attachment styles (e.g. they are not secure, resistant, or avoidant). These infants did not develop consistent ways of coping with their need for proximity to their caregiver when they are stressed and seem to be confused (Sigelman Rider, 2015). About 15 percent of infants in our society have disorganized or disoriented attachments. This forms what is now known as the fourth attachment classification, one that seems to be associated with later emotion problems (Sigelman Rider, 2015). Many believe these styles develop in infancy and can continue throughout adulthood. Overall, those with secure attachments have longer relationships and have more happiness within their lives. They have positive views of their partners and have fewer negative emotions (Strong Cohen, 2014). On the contrary, insecure attachment appears to confer risk through relational styles of emotionally avoidant and dismissing behaviors with inappropriate autonomy from others (avoidant), or of excessive negative emotions (anger and fear) and inappropriate dependence on others