Attachment refers to the emotional bond that develops between an infant and their caregiver, usually a parent. This bond provides the child with a sense of security and shapes their relationship with others throughout life.
Psychologist John Bowlby described attachment as a biological survival mechanism: infants are wired to seek closeness to caregivers because it increases their chances of safety and protection. Later, Mary Ainsworth identified different attachment styles—secure, avoidant, ambivalent, and disorganised—based on how children responded to separation and reunion with their caregiver.
These early patterns often influence adult relationships. For example, people with secure attachment usually find it easier to trust others, while those with insecure attachment may struggle with intimacy, dependence, or avoidance. Importantly, attachment is not fixed—new relationships and experiences can reshape it over time.