The attachment appears in various ways, and environmental factors determine the level of attachment between newborns and caregivers. Kail and Cavanaugh (2018) state that attachment relationships are classified into four types: secure, avoidant, resistant, and disorganized (disoriented). How a person bonds with their caretakers as a child influences how they manage relationships throughout their lives (Ward & Gepp, 2022). The secure form of attachment is the best because it allows the formulation of healthy relationships in the future.
The quality of the newborn-parent bond determines whether an infant feels comfortable and protected by a parent or caregiver. An example of a secure attachment is when the caregiver leaves, the infant may or may not cry, but when they return, the baby wants to be with them (Kail & Cavanaugh, 2018). Approximately sixty percent to sixty-five percent of newborns in the United States develop secure attachment relationships. This connection develops when a caregiver continuously provides care and comfort (BabySparks, 2019). As a result, the newborn excitedly reacts when they see their caregiver. Meyers (2018) suggests that children with secure attachments feel lovable and that other people are safe and caring and will satisfy their needs. Consequently, adults with this attachment form are good at navigating relationships and are typically caring and trustworthy of others (Ward & Gepp, 2022). I think my children and I have this relationship since I have always concentrated on providing as much care and affection as possible.
The second type is avoidant, which is associated with an insecure attachment style. Ward and Gepp (2022) acknowledge that children with this personality type are unlikely to seek out their caregivers under challenging situations since their caregivers may have been emotionally detached or absent. Around twenty percent of newborns in the United States develop avoidant attachment connections (Kail & Cavanaugh, 2018). People who have an avoidant attachment style may find it challenging to trust people (Ward & Gepp, 2022). They do, nevertheless, have a strong feeling of independence and self-reliance.
Resistant and disorganized (disoriented) styles also refer to insecure attachment. Kail and Cavanaugh (2018) state that when the caregiver leaves the infant distressed, and the baby remains sad or even furious when the caregiver returns, this is an example of resistant attachment. Approximately ten to fifteen percent of American newborns demonstrate this attachment relationship (Kail & Cavanaugh, 2018). As a result of such attachment, people tend to be jealous and distrustful of others (Ward & Gepp, 2022). They may also be terrified of rejection or being rejected and alone. Ward and Gepp (2022) claim that children with a disorganized attachment style may sometimes appear confused. Their caretakers’ acts and behaviors may not have been consistent. This attachment connection affects about five to ten percent of American newborns. The disoriented type is frequently related to mental health concerns in adulthood, including mood or personality disorders (Ward & Gepp, 2022). Their actions may be perplexing – the person may seem distant one day and emotional the next.
To conclude, the secure form of attachment is the best since it enables one to develop healthy relationships in the future. Individuals with this attachment style are skilled at managing relationships and are usually kind and trustworthy of others. The report reviewed and compared the four attachment types, described how they arise, and addressed the consequences of each. Avoidant, resistant, and disorganized (disoriented) styles refer to insecure attachment.
References
BabySparks. (2019). Infant-parent attachment: The four types & why they matter. BabySparks. Web.
Kail, R. V., & Cavanaugh, J. C. (2018). Human development: A life span (8th ed.). Cengage.
Meyers, L. (2018). The lingering influence of attachment. Counseling Today. Web.
Ward, K., & Gepp, K. (2022). Attachment style quiz. PsychCenter. Web.