Adult Attachment Styles

Paper Summary:

This paper describes four basic adult attachment styles: the secure/autonomous style, the dismissing/avoidant style, the preoccupied style and the unclassifiable/disorganized style. The author stresses that early attachment styles are established in childhood through the infant-caregiver relationship. The paper relates that, regardless of the type of adult attachment style, communication is one critical item that will help people have lasting relationships. The author urges that persons not be labeled by their attachment style because they can re-train themselves to develop more positive behavior.

Table of Contents:
Defined
Secure / Autonomous Style
Dismissing / Avoidant Style
Preoccupied Style
Unclassifiable / Disorganized Style
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"As these children grow into adults, the effects are also positive. Children who are securely attached tend to have trusting, long-term relationships in their adulthood. As adults and being securely attached, these same individuals have a great understanding and perspective on important relationships in their lives. They demonstrate a forgiving attitude toward their mate and tend to show compassion for others. They tend to speak of how their past experiences have influenced their present feelings and relationships."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Hetherington, Ph.D., Ross. "Attachment Part Two: Patterns of Attachment." About Kids Health (Sept. 2004). 1 May 2006 <http://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/ofhc/news/SRATT/3703.asp>.
• The Future of Children. "The Effects of Child Care Quality on Development." Children and Welfare Reform 5 of 9. 1 May 2006 <http://www.futureofchildren.org/information2827/information_show.htm?doc_id=102647>.
• "The Growth of the Person." Caring for Infants and Toddlers 5 of 8. 1 May 2006 <http://www.futureofchildren.org/information2827/information_show.htm?doc_id=79338>.
• Wikipedia Contributors. "Attachment Theory." Wikipedia Free Encyclopedia. 2006. 29 Apr. 2006 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attachment_theory>.

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• Analytical Essay # 27620 : "An Analysis of Attachment Theory"

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