Overview
Attachment theory refers to a framework of understanding the way our development influences our attachments within relationships. While the conventional formulation of attachment theory tends to separate styles into secure, anxious, avoidant, and anxious-avoidant with a strong emphasis on childhood development, modern researchers tend to see anxiety and avoidance as continuous spectrums subject to neuroplasticity. That means healthy relationships and positive experiences can help adults achieve “earned security” in their connections with others. Modern psychologists have also moved away from centering the relationship between infants and mothers to include all family members, community caregivers, peer groups, and early romantic engagements as having influence over the dimensions to attachment.