Bowlby-Ainsworth Model

The Bowlby-Ainsworth Model, developed by psychologists John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth, describes how early relationships between infants and their caregivers shape emotional and social development. It identifies attachment styles: secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized. A secure attachment, formed when caregivers are responsive and supportive, fosters confidence in relationships. In contrast, anxious and avoidant attachments arise from inconsistent or neglectful caregiving, leading to fears of abandonment or difficulty trusting others. This model helps us understand the impact of early bonding on adult relationships and emotional health, stressing the importance of nurturing connections in childhood.