Basics of Attachment Theory

John Bowlby, father of attachment theory, “…understood that [people of all ages] even fully mature and relatively autonomous adults—especially when they are threatened, in pain, lonely, or demoralized—benefit from seeking and internalizing positive interactions with attachment figures.” (Mikulincer and Shaver, 2007, p.12)

Attachment theory posits that distress, crisis, and isolation (to name a few conditions) activate at least three areas of attachment need within individuals. The first is the need to draw close to an attachment figure whose presence comforts and/or soothes the anxiety of the individual. The second is the need for a safe haven in relationship with an attachment figure, i.e. a place of safety, protection, and support in the midst of this experience. The third is a secure base from which to engage in exploratory, creative, and productive activity.

The theory further states that all individuals no matter what their age develop, evolve, and use internally represented, working models of attachment. In other words, everyone has mental models of what they expect generally from people when they experience distress, crisis, isolation, etc. and what they expect from specific individuals in such situations. To the degree that individuals have had positive interactions with attachment figures and as a result have a secure attachment identity, they are better able to function with themselves, others, and the world around them. To the degree that they have an insecure attachment identity, their anxiety increases their personal dysfunction and the measure of dysfunction that they bring to the systems of which they are a part.

There are two primary contexts in which we in Genetic Alliance are focusing our attention relative to attachment theory:

1) Family systems which contain one or more family members with serious, often chronic genetic diseases, who are therefore subject to significant stress within the family system, and are likely to benefit from the application of attachment theory and practice within the family system. (See Sue Johnson's work previously mentioned, Emotionally Focused Marital Intervention for Couples With Chronically III Children)

2) Leadership, where we recognize the value of developing a secure attachment identity as a leader enabling the leader’s followers and organization to a) find proximity in time of stress, b) experience the protection and comfort of a secure attachment figure, and c) know they have a secure base from which to explore, create, and be productive. (See Duncan Fraser's article previously mentioned, What Attachment Theory Can Teach Us About Leadership)

We will continue to share our thinking on attachment theory and practice relative to these two areas in the coming weeks and months. We will also be writing about our views on the value of mindsight and mindfulness, transformational leadership, and the effects of healthy relationships on the systems of which we are a part. We invite you to respond with your own questions and considerations.