The Baffling Behavior Show {Parenting after Trauma}

Ep. 34: Back to Basics: Attachment

27 snips

Jun 8, 2021

Dive into the essentials of attachment theory, starting with John Bowlby's groundbreaking observations on emotional survival. Discover the distinction between safe havens and secure bases, and how they influence children's independence. The podcast also highlights Mary Ainsworth's contributions, introducing attachment classifications like secure and insecure. Explore the vital behaviors infants exhibit to maintain connection and safety. This engaging discussion lays the groundwork for understanding how different attachment styles impact trauma and child development.

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INSIGHT

Attachment Theory Reception

John Bowlby's attachment theory wasn't initially well-received.
It proposed that human development is significantly impacted by caregiver experiences.

INSIGHT

Attachment and Survival

Bowlby suggested that attachment ensures a child's physical and emotional survival.
He identified connection as a biological imperative, preceding Porges's scientific backing.

INSIGHT

Connection vs. Autonomy

Attachment theory considers both connection and autonomy.
Bowlby labeled these drives as "safe haven" (closeness) and "secure base" (exploration).

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June 2021 is allllll about attachment! We kicked off this special series on attachment last week with my interview with author Bethany Saltman and her memoir "Strange Situation."

Today- we are going back to basics.

Attachment is something that gets a lot of airtime but also, a lot of confusion.

In today's episode we'll talk about John Bolwby and how he brilliantly noticed that attachment is about physical (and emotional) survival.

We explore the difference between safe haven and secure base, and about how attachment is both about connection and autonomy.

We look at the three attachment behaviors Bowlby identified:

Seek, monitor, and maintain proximity
Use the attachment figure as the secure base
Flee to their attachment figure when afraid

Going Back to Basics certainly means highlighting the work of Mary Ainsworth, which ultimately led to The Strange Situation and the attachment classifications we now know as secure and insecure.

I'm a big fan of scaffolding (which you know if you're a member of The Club or you've taken Parenting after Trauma: Minding the Heart and Brain online digital course) so consider this episode an important part of the scaffolding of attachment. We've got to get clear on the basics before moving on!

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You can download all sorts of free resources, including webinars, eBook, and infographics about topics such as lying, boundaries, and co-regulation!

RobynGobbel.com/FreeResources

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Grab a copy of my book Raising Kids with Big, Baffling Behaviors robyngobbel.com/book

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Apply for the Baffling Behavior Training Institute's Professional Immersion Program (formerly Being With) robyngobbel.com/Immersion

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Over on my website you can find:
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