IS THIS THE REASON YOU STRUGGLE IN YOUR INTIMATE RELATIONSHIPS?
As children, we are like sponges. Our brain grows to 80% of its adult size by the time we are two! At times the neurons are growing at a rate of 250,000 every minute! The neurological pathways that will have a considerable influence over our subconscious and automatic behaviours are being formed. This is why the relationship at this time with our primary caregiver (usually the mother) is SO important.
Attachment theory looks at the bonds between people. Specifically, it looks at the bonds created in our first intimate relationship with the person we depend on for food, nourishment, and love. The theory suggests that this relationship sets up the kind of bonding we have with other people in intimate relationships going forward as adults.
This makes complete sense to me as the first primary relationship builds a mental imprint in a child’s mind about what an intimate relationship looks and feels like. As a child, we are taught repeatedly what to expect from the person who is supposed to be our protector, source of love, food, and understanding.
Children and babies are wired for survival. So, they will naturally change their behaviour depending on the responses they receive from their mother. These behavioural adaptations, some useful and some not, continue into adulthood.
Theorists have named four attachment styles, all a response to the behaviour of the mother:
- Secure attachment
- Ambivalent (anxious) attachment
- Avoidant attachment
- Disorganised attachment
We will examine each in turn over the next few posts.
*Attachment theory by John Bowlby, Mary Ainsworth & Main & Solomon