Psychology In Seattle Podcast

Debunking Attachment Myths #2

Nov 3, 2025
Discover surprising insights as attachment myths are debunked. Fathers can be primary caregivers, challenging traditional roles. The triune brain model falls short of capturing the complexities of attachment. Oxytocin isn't just the love hormone; its effects are more nuanced. Parenting hacks aren't universal, and attachment isn't solely linked to fear. Learn about good enough parenting and the intricacies of passing on attachment styles. Plus, explore the intersection of Buddhism and attachment theory.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
INSIGHT

Fathers Aren't Secondary Caregivers

  • Fathers are neither substitute moms nor secondary attachment figures; research and clinical practice reject that hierarchy.
  • Kirk Honda calls cultural and clinical assumptions that relegate fathers to a secondary role “nonsense.”
INSIGHT

Triune Brain Is A Metaphor, Not Fact

  • The triune brain is a useful metaphor but scientifically inaccurate as a literal model.
  • Honda warns clinicians and the public not to treat the reptile/prefrontal layering as precise neuroscience.
INSIGHT

Synchrony Shapes Attachment Through Allostasis

  • Synchrony (behavioral, physiological, hormonal) shapes attachment via repeated contingent interactions.
  • Honda emphasizes social allostasis: parent-child systems regulate toward stable predictability while remaining flexible.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app