What is attachment theory primarily associated with?

Attachment theory is primarily associated with John Bowlby, who developed the concept in the mid-20th century. Bowlby's work focused on the importance of the bond between a child and their primary caregiver, emphasizing that this emotional connection significantly influences a child's social, emotional, and cognitive development. He proposed that secure attachments lead to healthier emotional and social functioning later in life, while insecure attachments can contribute to difficulties in relationships and emotional regulation.

Bowlby's research highlighted the significance of the caregiver's responsiveness and the child's need for security, laying the groundwork for understanding how early relationships shape development. Additionally, he introduced concepts such as the "internal working model," which describes how children form expectations regarding relationships based on their early experiences with caregivers. This foundation formed the basis for much of the subsequent research in developmental psychology concerning attachment styles and their impact on personal development.

Other figures mentioned, such as Erik Erikson, Lev Vygotsky, and Sigmund Freud, contributed to different areas of psychology, focusing on social development, cognitive development, and psychosexual stages respectively, but their theories do not specifically address attachment in the same manner that Bowlby's work does.