Ainsworth's Patterns of Attachment

Ainsworth's Patterns of Attachment describe different ways children form emotional bonds with their caregivers. Secure attachment happens when a caregiver is consistently responsive, helping the child feel safe and confident to explore. In insecure attachments, children might develop varying responses: anxious attachment occurs if caregivers are inconsistent, making children anxious about caregivers’ availability; avoidant attachment happens when caregivers are aloof, leading children to distance themselves emotionally. These patterns influence how children trust, seek comfort, and relate to others as they grow, reflecting their early experiences with their caregivers.