Bindungstheorie - Wie Deine Kindheit Dein Leben Beeinflusst

Attachment theory argues that a strong emotional and physical bond with a primary caregiver in our early years is crucial for our development. When our bond is strong and solid, we feel safe exploring the world. We know there's always a secure base to which we can return at any time. When our bond is weak, we feel insecure. We're afraid to explore a rather frightening world or to leave that safe haven because we're not sure we'll be able to get back. Securely attached people have greater trust, are able to form connections with others, and are therefore more successful in life. Insecure people tend to distrust others, have fewer social skills, and have trouble forming relationships. There is one type of secure attachment, and there are three types of insecure attachment: insecure/ambivalent, insecure/avoidant, and insecure/disorganized. When responding to distress, the first three respond in an organized manner, while the latter act disorganized. To better understand the theory, let's look at Mr. and Mrs. Müller, who have four children: Luka, Anna, Jakob, and Julia. The Müllers are lovely parents who cuddle, maintain frequent eye contact, speak lovingly, and are always there for their children. But one day, Mr. Müller becomes very ill and dies. Life now becomes very difficult for Mrs. Müller. She works all day and tries to care for her children at the same time. An impossible task. At age 6, Lukas's brain is largely developed, his character is strong, and his worldview is well-formed. The new situation doesn't affect him much—he knows that his mother is still there—his safe haven. He feels securely attached. Later, he grows up to be a trusting and optimistic young man. His self-image is positive. Ann, who is three years old, has trouble coping with the new lack of attention. To Ann, her mother now seems unpredictable. She is anxious about their relationship and begins to cling. To get her mother's attention, she has to increase her emotional state and shout. When her mother finally responds with a predictable reaction, she herself appears ambivalent and doesn't reveal her true feelings. Others later think Ann is unpredictable or moody. Her self-image is less positive. Her attachment style is Insecure Ambivalent. Two-year-old Jacob spends his days with his uncle, who loves him but believes that a good education is strict. If little Jacob shows too much emotion or is too loud, his uncle gets angry and sometimes punishes him. This frightens Jacob. He learns that to avoid the fear, he must avoid showing his feelings—even in other situations. As an adult, he continues this strategy and has trouble forming relationships. His self-image is rather negative. His attachment style is Insecure Avoidant. Dealing with Attachment Issues: Dealing with attachment issues is not an easy task. For those who feel they can't help themselves or can't find trust from their family partners, we recommend seeking professional support through therapy. If you are able to develop a secure bond with a therapist, they can become the one who provides you with that safe base. Here are three possible therapies: 1. Psychoanalysis. The goal of psychoanalysis therapy is to release repressed emotions and experiences, i.e., to make the unconscious conscious. To this end, the therapist may attempt to bring back some childhood memories to work at the root of the problem. 2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT is a psychosocial intervention often used to improve mental health. Instead of trying to transport you back in time, it attempts to explain what is going on in your brain and how you can deal with irrational feelings or fears. 3. The Hoffmann Process. Designed by the American psychologist Hoffmann, this 7-8-day process takes participants back to their childhood to reconnect with their parents at the time of attachment formation. It is very intensive. More information here: https://www.hoffman-institut.de Sources: Harvard Study: https://arizona.pure.elsevier.com/en/... Minnesota Study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti... Further material: https://www.psychologistworld.com/dev...