Attachment theory is a psychological model that attempts to describe long- and short-term relationships. However, attachment theory is not formulated as a general theory of relationships. It addresses how humans respond within relationships when they are hurt, separated from loved ones, or perceive a threat. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Essentially all children become attached if provided with a caregiver, but there are individual differences in the quality of relationships. In infants, attachment as a motivational and behavioral system directs the infant to seek closeness with a familiar caregiver when alarmed, with the expectation of receiving protection and emotional support. John Bowlby believed that the tendency of primate infants to develop attachments to familiar caregivers was the result of evolutionary pressures, as attachment behavior would facilitate the infant's survival in the face of dangers such as predation or exposure to the elements. The most important theory of attachment is that a child needs to develop a relationship with at least one primary caregiver for the success of his or her social and emotional development, and in particular to learn to effectively regulate his or her feelings. Any caregiver is equally likely to become the primary attachment figure if they provide the majority of the child's care and related social interactions. In the presence of a sensitive and responsive caregiver, the child will use the caregiver as a “secure base” from which to explore. This relationship can be effective, as in the mother-child relationship; frequently studied in Western culture, or may involve a community of caregivers (siblings/extended family/teachers) as can be seen in any area. It should be recognized that “even sensitive healthcare workers only get it right about 50% of the time. Their communications are out of sync or mismatched. There are times when parents feel tired or distracted. In other words, tuned interactions break down quite frequently. But the mark of a sensitive caregiver is that breakups are handled and repaired. Attachments between infants and caregivers are formed even if this caregiver is not sensitive and responsive in social interactions with them. This has important implications. Newborns cannot escape from unpredictable or insensitive caregiving relationships. Instead, they must manage themselves as best they can within those relationships. Research has shown that children will have different attachment patterns depending primarily on how they experienced their early caregiving environment. Early attachment patterns, in turn, shape – but do not determine – the individual's expectations in later relationships. Four different attachment classifications have been identified in children: secure attachment, anxious-ambivalent attachment, anxious-avoidant attachment and disorganized attachment. Secure attachment occurs when children feel they can rely on their caregivers to meet their needs for closeness, emotional support, and protection. It is considered the best attachment style. Anxious-ambivalent attachment occurs when the child experiences separation anxiety when separated from the caregiver and does not feel reassured when the caregiver returns to the child. Anxious-avoidant attachment occurs when the child avoids his parents. Disorganized attachment occurs when attachment behavior is lacking. The theory.