sitomisteoriaan

Sitomisteoriaan, often translated as "binding theory" or "attachment theory" in English, is a psychological framework that explores the nature of close emotional bonds between people, particularly between children and their caregivers. It was initially developed by psychiatrist John Bowlby and later expanded by psychologist Mary Ainsworth. The core idea is that humans have an innate need to form strong attachments with others, and these early relationships significantly shape an individual's social and emotional development throughout their life.

The theory posits that infants are biologically predisposed to seek proximity and contact with their primary caregiver, typically their mother. This attachment serves a crucial survival function, ensuring the child receives care and protection. Ainsworth's research, particularly the "Strange Situation" experiment, identified different patterns of attachment based on how children reacted to separation from and reunion with their caregiver. These patterns include secure, anxious-ambivalent, and avoidant attachment styles.

Secure attachment is characterized by a child feeling confident that their caregiver will be available and responsive. Anxious-ambivalent attachment involves a child who is anxious about their caregiver's availability and may exhibit clingy behavior. Avoidant attachment occurs when a child seems indifferent to their caregiver's presence or absence, often indicating a learned response to unresponsive caregiving. These early attachment experiences are believed to form internal working models that influence future relationships, self-esteem, and emotional regulation. Sitomisteoriaan continues to be a foundational concept in developmental psychology and has implications for understanding a wide range of human behaviors and mental health outcomes.