John Bowlby (1969) defined attachment as “lasting psychological connectedness between human beings.”
Mary Ainsworth (1970) expanded on the ideas of Bowlby and, through research, identified three main
attachment styles: secure attachment (child becomes distressed when caregiver leaves but is able to selfsoothe and is aware their parent will return, responding positively when reunited), ambivalent-insecure
attachment (child becomes distressed when a parent leaves), and avoidant-insecure attachment (child avoids
interacting with caregiver), with Main and Soloman (1986) identifying a fourth style of attachment through their
research: disorganized-insecure attachment (avoid or resist their caregiver one moment and engage with the
caregiver the next).
Two important factors for healthy attachment are the opportunity to attach and quality caregiving. What cultural
factors influence or have an impact on the opportunity and quality of caregiving? What advocacy efforts can
you engage in that would have an impact on these cultural factors that negatively inform attachment? How
might you go about identifying interventions for these children and caregivers to shift attachment style to a
secure attachment? Consider your own experiences and those who might be from a different cultural
background

Sample Solution