Page 37 - Effective Communication Skills by Dalton Kehoe

relationships in all parts of our lives, let’s discuss our earliest learning in
terms of attachment theory.

Attachment theory draws on the groundbreaking work of John Bowlby and
Mary Ainsworth. It states that the kinds of bonds we form as infants with our
caregivers inÀuence the kinds of relationships we form as adults. Bowlby

and Ainsworth developed three types of attachment styles. Infants with a
secure attachment style have caregivers who are responsive to their needs
and who show positive emotions when interacting with them. These infants
trust their caregivers, are not worried about being abandoned, and come to
view themselves as worthy and loved.

Infants with an avoidant attachment style typically have caregivers who are
aloof and distant and who rebuff the infant’s attempts to establish intimacy.
These infants desire to be close to their caregiver but learn to suppress this

need. People who were raised with this style ¿nd it dif¿cult to become close
to other people.

Figure 9.1

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