Attachment Paper

Impact of Childhood Attachments on Adult Health and the Establishment of Relationships

Patricia L. Fowler

Liberty University

COUN 502 – Human Growth and Development

Dr. Luanne Bender Long

October 08, 2012

Abstract

Clinical research has demonstrated that there is a direct correlation between the parent-child attachment and the psychodynamics of adult relationships. The theory of attachment, by John Bowlby, has been instrumental in the advancement of modern psychology. Bowlby’s attachment theory provides a strong framework for the comprehension of both the nature of close relationships and the link between the associations of children and how this affects their relationships as adults, as well as, various health issues concerning adults. The following research endeavor reviews the literature concerning the validity and reliability of the attachment styles that can be a predicting factor as to how adults engage in the formation of relationships. Research presented will also help to elucidate how attachment styles during childhood relate to adult related health issues The following essay will define attachment theory as described by Bowlby and Ainsworth; followed by an analysis how attachments formed in early childhood have an impact on attachments formed during adulthood. The main focus of the research will examine the evidence concerning attachment assessment methods. Finally, the research essay will examine the empirical evidence depicting how attachment predicts relationship tendencies in adults along with the risk factors for certain health related issues from the perspective attachment style.

John Bowlby’s theory of attachment has been instrumental in the advancement of modern psychology. According to Bowlby (1982), attachments exist to bring infants into close proximity with their caregivers thereby protecting the infant from harm and predation. The idea of attachment was

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