Attachment theory as a framework for the promotion of optimal relationships

Abstract

Attachment theory as a framework for the promotion of optimal relationships mario mikulincer and phillip r. shaverIn his exposition of attachment theory, John Bowlby (1973, 1980, 1982, 1988) proposed that interactions with loving, caring, and supportive relationship partners and the resulting sense of attachment security (confidence that one is socially valued and that others will be available and helpful when needed) are building blocks of mental health and social adjustment. Adult attachment researchers have found that a person's sense of attachment security is related to the development of positive character traits and moral virtues and provides a solid foundation for harmonious and stable relationships (see Mikulincer & Shaver, 2007a, for a comprehensive review). Because of its emphasis on mature, intimate, supportive, and mutually satisfying close relationships, attachment theory provides a valuable conceptual framework for the study of optimal relationship development.In this chapter, we first present a brief overview of attachment theory and our model of attachment processes in adulthood (Mikulincer & Shaver, 2007a), an extension of Bowlby's theory that is now supported by 25 years of research by personality and social psychologists. Next, we focus on the anchoring of attachment security in expectations concerning relationship partners' sensitivity and responsiveness (expectations organized within a secure-base script), and review research findings showing that the sense of security is associated with positive appraisals of self and others and with social adjustment. We then review studies of dating and marital relationships showing that dispositional and experimentally induced feelings of security can transform otherwise destructive reactions to relationship partners' undesirable, hurtful behavior, improve a person's handling of interpersonal conflict, foster empathy and support for a partner in need, and promote positive relational emotions. attachment theory: basic concepts Bowlby (1982) proposed that human infants are born with an innate psychobiological system (the attachment behavioral system) that motivates 56 of use, available at https:/www.cambridge.org/core/terms. https://doi.

A diádikus stressz és a felnőtt kötődés lenyomatai a párkapcsolati elégedettségben

“…Megfigyeléseik szerint a felnőtt kapcsolati partnerek közötti interakciók több szempontból is hasonlóságot mutatnak a gyermekek és gondozóik közötti interakciókhoz. Ám a romantikus szerelem különbözik a gyermekkori és más felnőttkori kapcsolatoktól abban, hogy a kötődés kétirányú és kölcsönös gondoskodást feltételező folyamat, és együtt jár a szexuális vonzalommal [9,10].…”

Autonomy in Relatedness: How Need Fulfillment Interacts in Close Relationships

“…The motivational attachment system serves to promote survival, ensuring that individuals maintain proximity to others who provide safety and security (e.g., caregivers, partners; Mikulincer & Shaver, 2016). Hence, the attachment system regulates the degree to which the need for relatedness is fulfilled.…”

“…It might seem that autonomy and relatedness are unique and separate, such that fulfillment of one has little to do with, or even comes at the expense of, fulfillment of the other. Indeed, it seems contradictory that autonomy refers to “self-rule,” self-initiation, and self-directed choice (Knee et al, 2013), whereas relatedness refers to a sense of belonging (Baumeister & Leary, 1995), attachment (Mikulincer & Shaver, 2016), and intimacy (Reis & Patrick, 1996), and that both promote relationship functioning. Can the fulfillment of these needs be reconciled in close relationships?…”

“…When considering the motivational underpinnings of relationship maintenance processes, a driving force is the fulfillment of basic psychological needs, in particular, the needs for relatedness and autonomy. Relatedness encompasses experiencing a sense of belonging, attachment, closeness, and intimacy with others (see Baumeister & Leary, 1995; Mikulincer & Shaver, 2016; Reis & Patrick, 1996). Autonomy refers to feeling volitional in one’s actions and fully and authentically endorsing one’s behaviors in the relationship (e.g., Deci & Ryan, 2000; Knee, Hadden, Porter, & Rodriquez, 2013).…”