Bowlby (1988) assumed that although age and development increase a person’s ability to gain comfort from internal, symbolic representations of attachment figures, no one at any age is completely free from reliance on actual others.
The attachment system therefore remains active over the entire lifespan, as indicated by adults’ tendency to seek proximity and support when threatened or distressed (Hazan & Zeifman, 1999). Moreover, people of all ages are capable of becoming emotionally attached to a variety of relationship partners (e.g., siblings, friends, romantic partners, coaches, and leaders), using such people as stronger and wiser attachment figures (Bowlby, 1969/1982) – that is, as safe havens in times of need and secure bases from which to explore and develop skills – and suffering distress upon prolonged or permanent separation from these people (Bowlby, 1980; Shaver & Fraley, 2008).
Interactions with attachment figures who are available, sensitive, and supportive in times of need (i) facilitate the smooth functioning of the attachment system, (ii) promote a sense of connectedness and security, and (iii) strengthen positive mental representations (working models) of self and others.
In contrast, when attachment figures are not reliably available and supportive, (i) a sense of security is not attained; (ii) worries about one’s social value and others’ intentions become ingrained; and (iii) strategies of affect regulation other than proximity-seeking are developed (secondary attachment strategies, characterized by anxiety and avoidance).http://mindzone.in/
The attachment system therefore remains active over the entire lifespan, as indicated by adults’ tendency to seek proximity and support when threatened or distressed (Hazan & Zeifman, 1999). Moreover, people of all ages are capable of becoming emotionally attached to a variety of relationship partners (e.g., siblings, friends, romantic partners, coaches, and leaders), using such people as stronger and wiser attachment figures (Bowlby, 1969/1982) – that is, as safe havens in times of need and secure bases from which to explore and develop skills – and suffering distress upon prolonged or permanent separation from these people (Bowlby, 1980; Shaver & Fraley, 2008).
Interactions with attachment figures who are available, sensitive, and supportive in times of need (i) facilitate the smooth functioning of the attachment system, (ii) promote a sense of connectedness and security, and (iii) strengthen positive mental representations (working models) of self and others.
In contrast, when attachment figures are not reliably available and supportive, (i) a sense of security is not attained; (ii) worries about one’s social value and others’ intentions become ingrained; and (iii) strategies of affect regulation other than proximity-seeking are developed (secondary attachment strategies, characterized by anxiety and avoidance).http://mindzone.in/
Clinical Psychologist Counseling Psychologist
Founder - Mind Zone Co-Founder - Mind Zone
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