kiintymisteoria

Kiintymysteoria, known in English as attachment theory, is a psychological theory that describes the nature of emotional bonds between people. It was first developed by the British psychiatrist and psychoanalyst John Bowlby in the 1950s and later expanded by American developmental psychologist Mary Ainsworth. The theory posits that humans have an innate need to form strong emotional attachments with primary caregivers, typically parents, from infancy. These early relationships are crucial for emotional and social development and influence an individual's relationships throughout their life.

Bowlby's initial work focused on the distress experienced by infants when separated from their mothers, suggesting that attachment is a biological imperative for survival. Ainsworth further developed the theory by identifying different attachment styles through her "Strange Situation" experiment. These styles include secure attachment, where children feel confident exploring their environment when their caregiver is present and are distressed by separation but can be easily comforted upon reunion. Insecure attachment styles include anxious-ambivalent (or anxious-resistant), characterized by clingy behavior and difficulty being soothed, and anxious-avoidant, where children appear indifferent to their caregiver's presence or absence. A fourth style, disorganized attachment, was later identified, often associated with fear or confusion in the child's interactions.

The quality of early attachments is believed to shape internal working models, which are mental representations of the self, others, and relationships. These models guide expectations and behaviors in future relationships, including friendships, romantic partnerships, and parent-child relationships in adulthood. While rooted in early childhood experiences, attachment styles can be modified by later life experiences and therapeutic interventions.