Disorganised Attachment Theory

This is characterised by the child keeping at a distance from the caregiver, and displaying little distress at separation. This occurs when the primary care figure is inconsistent, and does not provide the child a secure base (Passer & Smith 2013, p. 432).
Thirdly, an ambivalent/resistant attachment is when a child displays extreme distress when separated from the primary caregiver, however the child also seeks and rejects contact (Passer & Smith 2013, p. 432). This is due the caregiver not encouraging their child to explore, so the child remains emotionally dependent, but reluctant to explore.
Lastly, an insecure/disorganised attachment is seen through the child having no strategy for handling distress (Passer & Smith 2013, p. 432). This is due to the child seeing their parent or caregiver as comforting and/or frightening. Therefore, the child has no strategy of meeting the needs of being cared for and to engage in play (Passer & Smith 2013, p. 432).
In the 1980s, Cindy Hazan and Philip Shaver demonstrated the applicability of attachment theory to adult relationships (Bennett & Nelson 2010, p.
31). Hazan & Shaver studied multiple couples to investigate the attachments between the couple, and then observed how the couple would react to varied stressors and stimuli (Bennett & Nelson 2010, p. 31). This lead to the four classifications for adult attachment being developed, the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI) which is a semi-structured interview assessing the strategies for identifying, and protecting the self from perceived dangers, in relation to intimate relationships (Bennett & Nelson 2010, p.
31).
Firstly, autonomous-secure attachment refers to the individual’s narrative being clear, and being able to link their past to their present (Bennett & Nelson 2010, p. 31). This type of attachment results from background of warm and positive interactions with partners. Individuals with an autonomous-secure attachment tend to have positive opinions of themselves and their past or present relationships.
Secondly, dismissing-detached attachment refers to an attachment style where an individual desires a great level of independence, and this can be seen as the individual attempting to avoid attachment (Bennett & Nelson 2010, p. 31).
Thirdly, preoccupied-entangled refers to a style of attachment where an individual seeks high levels of intimacy and approval from their partners (Bennett & Nelson 2010, p. 31).
Lastly, unresolved-disorganised attachment style refers to a style where an individual is apprehensive feelings around close relationships. The individual feels uncomfortable with emotional closeness, yet may desire to have a close relationship (Bennett & Nelson 2010, p. 31).
However, the AAI structure prioritises childhood experiences, rather than the lived experiences of the adult. Which does not consider societal contexts, social environments and how these aspects help to form the individual’s identity.