Attachment is the enduring emotional bond that develops between a child and their primary caregivers, starting in infancy and continuing through adulthood. A child’s attachment experiences create and shape their core beliefs, relationship expectations, and patterns of thought and behavior. These internal working models shape the child’s sense of security, which influences how comfortable they are exploring the world and forming new relationships.
In a secure attachment, a child feels safe enough to explore their environment and interact with others. They feel that their primary caregiver is a “secure base,” a dependable, reliable, and consistent source of support, comfort, and reassurance. A person who experiences trauma and neglect in early childhood can experience long-term difficulties in their ability to form close, trusting relationships as an adult.
What does the research tell us?
In the past, research on attachment focused on infancy and early childhood. Today, research shows that the ability to connect with others continues to develop throughout life. The brain’s ability to form new neural pathways, which is called neuroplasticity, enables the brain to adapt and change during adolescence (ages 10 to 19) and the overlapping period of emerging adulthood (ages 18 to 29).
During these periods, young people are exploring the world around them and increasing their social interactions and networks. This external focus has a profound impact on a young person’s relationships and their developing sense of self. Attachment to their primary caregivers remains crucial, however, and young people continue to need reassurance that they have a safe, reliable home base to which they can return.
Research also shows that young people’s internal working models and attachment strategies can change. Interventions by parents and caregivers can lead to significant improvements in well-being and long-term outcomes.
The Takeaway
During adolescence and emerging adulthood, young people have a prime opportunity to develop healthy emotional regulation and build secure attachments. Parents and caregivers are essential to this process, even if it can be challenging at times to support a young person through this period. As young people seek more independence, they may seem to be pushing away. However, by leaning in and learning new strategies, parents and caregivers can strengthen relationship bonds and help young people acquire the tools they need to thrive.
Learn more and download our Thrive Together Guides and Workbooks
- Thrive Together Mini Workbook: Explore ways to foster secure attachments and build powerful, supportive relationships that help young people feel safe, seen, and connected.
- Built to Thrive Full Workbook. The Thrive Together workbook is part of Built to Thrive, an interactive workbook created by The Steve Fund.\
- Safe & Seen: Building Secure and Trusting Relationships Guide. Explore ways to help young people develop strong, positive bonds with others by modeling these practices yourself.
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References:
- Moretti et al. Connect: An Attachment-Based Program for Parents of Teens
- Bigras et al. A mother-child secure attachment to prevent interpersonal violence among young people https://www.scielo.br/j/rbsmi/a/9qrSh4cxFJp3YVwHSDHgP4P/?format=pdf&lang=en
