Attachment theory

Attachment theory is a theory (or group of theories) about the psychological concept of attachment: the tendency to seek closeness to another person and feel secure when that person is present. Attachment theory has its origins in observation of and experiments with animals. Much early research on attachment in humans was done by John Bowlby and his associates.

Related Topics:
Psychological - John Bowlby

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According to attachment theory, attachment is not just a consequence of the need to satisfy various drives, as proposed by Sigmund Freud. For example, children are not merely attached to their parents because they provide food; their attachment also involves behavior that is independent of their direct needs. Attachment theory assumes that humans are social beings; they do not just use other people to satisfy their drives. In this way, attachment theory is similar to object relations theory.

Related Topics:
Sigmund Freud - Object relations theory

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