IntroductionJohn Bowlby developed his attachment theory to examine and explore the contextual relationships between a child and his or her caregiver and their behavioral implications. He describes it as "a way of conceptualizing the propensity of human beings to form strong emotional bonds with other people and of explaining the many forms of emotional distress and personality disorders, including anxiety, anger, depression, and emotional detachment, to which involuntary separation and loss engenders” (Bowlby, 1979, p. 127). An infant's attachment to their primary caregiver creates a sense of security, through protection, so that the infant is able to explore the world confidently and without threat or risk. During a child's “sensitive period,” which Bowlby says occurs during the first nine months of an infant's life, the attachment bond should be ongoing and have emotional significance (Connors, 2011). Continuing Bowlby's research, Mary Ainsworth introduced the concept of a "secure base" and conducted research using a procedure called "strange situation" to establish three attachment patterns; secure attachment, insecure attachment – ​​avoidant and insecure – anxious – ambivalent (Ainsworth, Blehar, Waters, & Wall, 1978). Mary Main later added a fourth dimension of attachment, insecure – disorganized (Main & Solomon, 1986). Ideally, the relationship between the child and primary caregiver produces a secure attachment, promoting adaptability, healthy lifestyles, and positive thinking (Connors, 2011). Ainsworth, through his “Strange Situation Protocol,” identifies the securely attached infant as being both visibly upset when the baby's caregiver leaves and happy when he or she returns. Rooted in their b... middle of paper ...... symptoms, anger, and self-directed aggression by psychiatric patients. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 272-281. Hazan, C. and Shaver, P. (1987). Romantic love conceptualized as an attachment process. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 511-524. Hesse, E. (1999). The adult attachment interview: historical and current perspectives. In J. Cassidy & P. ​​Shaver (Eds.), Handbook of attachment: theory, research, and clinical applications. (pp. 395-443). New York: Guilford Press. Main, M. and Solomon, J. (1986). Discovery of an insecure-disorganized/disoriented attachment pattern. In T. Brazelton & M. Yogman (Eds.), Emotional development in early childhood (pp. 95-124). Norwood, NJ: Ablex. Sroufe, LA, Egeland, B., Carlson, E. and Collins, WA (2005a). The development of the person: The Minnesota study of risk and adjustment from birth to adulthood. New York: Guilford