Attachment Theory

Influence on Child Development and its Effects on Adult Life

Abstract

The attachment theory developed by John Bowlby highlights the importance of emotional relationships in early childhood for children's later socio-emotional development. In line with this theory, the aim of this article is to describe how attachment types impact on adult life and the attachment model an individual forms is influenced by the way primary caregivers, such as parents or substitute caregivers, interact with the child. These attachment models are also influenced by temperamental and genetic factors.  So the question that guided the research was: how can the different types of attachment installed during childhood have a significant influence on child development and leave lasting impacts in adulthood?  Bowlby's attachment theory emphasizes the importance of human emotions and affections in understanding normal and pathological development, and highlights that early attachment relationships play a fundamental role in the formation of attachment throughout an individual's life. The methodology employed consisted of a literature review that studied attachment theory and attachment styles in children and adults from August to November 2023. It is concluded that attachment theory can guide strategies to promote healthy relationships, reducing the negative impacts of insecure attachment through interventions such as parental support, emotional education and attachment-centered therapies, strengthening emotional security and improving interpersonal connections for balanced development in adulthood.