Question

The theory that the type of relationship we have with others when we are young strongly influences our behavior in later relationships is known as the:

A) attachment theory
B) assortative mating theory.
C) intimacy theory
D) self-esteem theory.

Answer 1

The answer is: A) attachment theory.

The term attachment refers to an emotional bond with another person. The attachment theory explores the relationships between people and emphasizes that our earliest attachments leave a permanent trace on our behavior in adult relationships.

This theory was proposed by psychologist John Bowlby, who initially focused on the anxiety that infants experience when separated from their parents. Bowlby found that as a mother feeds an infant, the child becomes attached to her, and concluded that the parent-child relationship at this stage significantly influences subsequent development. Children who are securely attached usually turn into self-confident adults, and are able to have strong and healthy relationships.