Attachment theory

Attachment theory refers to the ways in which people attach to their primary care giver as children which in turn affects how your relationships with others are affected in adult life. There are several ways of describing attachment styles but one of the common ways of describing attachment styles includes the following four styles. Secure attachment refers to attachment styles that enable healthy loving relationships. There are three insecure attachment styles – avoidant, anxious, disorganised (or fearful avoidant) each of which contributes to relation ship difficulties in different ways. These pages provide good explanations about the theory and the four attachment styles.

If you are interested in identifying your own attachment style you could try this free online quiz designed by Dianne Poole Heller. This same page also offers short courses in understanding attachment styles and how your relationships may be affected by your style.

Here is another free attachment style questionnaire – the experiences in close relationships scale.

For more information on building a secure attachment style with your child, the Circle of Security program is offered internationally face to face and online. The site also provides you with many more resources and tools to create the best secure attachment for your child while also providing you with insight into your own attachment style.

Attached by Amir Levine (psychiatrist) and Rachel Heller (neuroscientist) is an excellent book on adult attachment which scientifically explains why some people seem to navigate relationships effortlessly, while others struggle.