Bowlby-Ainsworth Attachment Theory

Bowlby-Ainsworth Attachment Theory explores how early relationships with caregivers shape an individual's emotional bonds throughout life. John Bowlby proposed that a secure attachment, formed when caregivers are responsive and nurturing, fosters a sense of safety and trust. Mary Ainsworth expanded on this by identifying different attachment styles—secure, anxious, and avoidant—based on how children react to separation and reunion with their caregivers. These attachment styles influence interpersonal relationships in adulthood, affecting how individuals connect, communicate, and respond to intimacy and stress. Overall, the theory emphasizes the importance of early emotional bonds in personal development.