Childhood Friends, Not Moms, Shape Attachment Styles Most
8 days ago
- #attachment theory
- #psychology
- #relationships
- Humans are social animals relying on relationships for support and encouragement.
- Attachment theory suggests relationships follow patterns, with some feeling secure and others anxious.
- A 30-year study found early friendships impact adult attachment more than parental relationships.
- Mothers influence general attachment styles, but early friendships have a larger effect on adult relationships.
- The study followed 705 people over three decades, starting in the 1990s.
- Attachment theory, developed by John Bowlby, initially focused on parental relationships but evolved to include multiple relationships.
- Few studies had tested attachment theory assumptions over a lifetime until this research.
- Data came from videotaped interactions, parent-child reports, and teacher assessments.
- Early high-quality friendships lead to more secure adult romantic and friendship relationships.
- Childhood friendships practice dynamics that mirror adult relationships.