What does attachment theory primarily concern?

Attachment theory primarily concerns the dynamics of long-term relationships between humans, specifically focusing on the emotional bonds that develop between individuals, particularly between infants and their primary caregivers. This theory, developed by John Bowlby and later expanded upon by Mary Ainsworth, emphasizes how the quality of these early attachments can shape an individual's emotional development and relationship patterns throughout life.

By exploring how attachment styles—secure, avoidant, and anxious—are formed and how they influence interpersonal relationships, attachment theory seeks to understand the profound impact that early relational experiences have on an individual's capacity for intimacy, trust, and emotional connectivity in their adult relationships. This perspective highlights the importance of stability and security in emotional connections, forming the basis for many interpersonal dynamics across a person's life.