Attachment-necessary for survival

In the 1950s, John Bowlby laid the frame work for what we know as the Attachment Theory. Until this point in the mental health field, clinicians and theorist were using behavioral methods to treat mental illness. The thought behind behavioral methods, that are still used today, is that through the changing of behaviors (actions) and cogitations (thoughts) a person could change the course of their mental illness and overall mental health.

When Bowlby first presented his theory, many mental he

alth therapists refused to believe his findings; which stated that it was through the first connections with caregivers that infants develop an attachment that will later impact how they view the world around them. Additionally, Bowlby theorized, these first relationships are necessary for the survival of the infant. Without the mother to provide nourishment, safety and emotional regulation infants would fail to thrive and survive to adulthood.

Through studying the Attachment Theory, an individual cannot help but reflect on their own upbringing and their first connections with caregivers. Many individuals will reflect back and have many positive memories. Others, however, will not be able to find as much positive moments. This is not to say that those who cannot observe the reflections of their past as being positive are at a loss. As research came to understand, those who have disrupted attachments with their earliest caregivers can still form healthy connections (or attachments the terms can be used interchangeably) in adulthood but these relationships may feel less natural.