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attachment theory critiques

Attachment theory suggests that early relationships with caregivers shape our emotional development and how we relate to others later in life. Critiques of the theory point out that it may oversimplify human behavior by focusing too heavily on early childhood, ignoring later life experiences and cultural differences. Some argue it treats attachment styles as fixed rather than flexible, and that it doesn't fully account for individual personality, social context, and resilience factors. While influential, attachment theory is seen by critics as a framework that needs ongoing research and integration with broader psychological and social insights.