attachment theory

American  

noun

Psychology.

1. a set of concepts that explain the emergence of an emotional bond between an infant and primary caregiver and the way in which this bond affects the child’s behavioral and emotional development into adulthood.

---

Etymology

Origin of attachment theory

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

It’s something that Jeff Guenther, a licensed professional counselor who posts relationship advice on social media under the handle Therapy Jeff, often sees in the comments on his videos about attachment theory.

From Los Angeles Times

First developed by psychologist John Bowlby in the late 1950s after he studied how infants reacted when separated from their primary caregivers, attachment theory analyzes the way people bond with others.

From Los Angeles Times

While it’s commonplace for people to attack avoidants on social media, Amir Levine, co-author of the 2010 book “Attached,” which helped propel attachment theory’s recent rise, says we aren’t stuck being one style over another for the rest of our lives.

From Los Angeles Times

You are the first person I’ve ever seen use attachment theory as a lens for looking at the types of friendships we attract.

From Los Angeles Times

Why did it feel appropriate to use attachment theory in this way, when it’s typically used as a framework for understanding romantic relationships?

From Los Angeles Times