Introduction
The concept of attachment styles has long been a subject of interest for psychologists and researchers. Attachment theory, developed by John Bowlby in the mid-20th century, posits that our early experiences with caregivers shape our emotional bonds, influencing the way we form relationships in adulthood. The Circle of Security, is an intervention program designed to enhance secure attachment relationships between caregivers and children. We will explore the impact of the Circle of Security on attachment style and its significance in the journey from early childhood to adult relationships.
Attachment Theory: A Brief Overview
Attachment theory is grounded in the idea that our early experiences with primary caregivers, typically our parents, have a profound impact on our emotional and psychological development. Bowlby’s theory suggests that the quality of the caregiver-child relationship, particularly in the first few years of life, shapes an individual’s attachment style.
There are four main attachment styles:
1. Secure Attachment: Individuals with secure attachment styles tend to be comfortable with emotional intimacy and have confidence in their relationships. They find it easy to both give and receive emotional support.
2. Anxious-Preoccupied Attachment: People with this attachment style often feel insecure and worry about their partner’s availability and commitment. They may be overly concerned about the relationship and seek constant reassurance.
3. Avoidant Attachment: Individuals with an avoidant attachment style are often uncomfortable with emotional intimacy. They may distance themselves from their partner and have difficulty expressing their needs or emotions.
4. Disorganised Attachment: This attachment style is characterised by inconsistent and unpredictable behaviour in relationships. Individuals with disorganised attachment may struggle with unresolved trauma or attachment-related issues.
The Circle of Security: A Supportive Framework
The Circle of Security is a relationship-based program designed to enhance secure attachment relationships between caregivers and children. It provides a roadmap for understanding and responding to the emotional needs of children, promoting secure attachment through the principles of “being with” and “letting go.” By following the Circle of Security, caregivers can develop a better understanding of their children’s emotional needs and create a safe and nurturing environment for their development.
The Impact of Circle Security on Attachment Style
1. Promoting Secure Attachment
Research has shown that the Circle of Security intervention is very effective in promoting secure attachment in children. A study conducted by Hoffman et al. (2006) found that children whose parents participated in the Circle of Security program showed significant improvements in attachment security. These children demonstrated increased emotional regulation, a greater ability to explore their environment, and more positive interactions with their caregivers. There are Circle of Security programs run all over the world, including here in Perth, Western Australia, to help parents/caregivers:
- Increase their understanding of their child by learning about their emotional needs.
- Support their child’s ability to successfully manage their emotions.
- Support the development of their child’s self-esteem..
2. Enhancing Parent-Child Relationships
One of the key features of the Circle of Security is the emphasis on building a strong and secure parent-child relationship. It focuses on four essential components: the caregiver as a safe haven, the caregiver as a secure base, the child’s exploration, and the child’s need for comfort. By helping caregivers develop a deeper understanding of their children’s emotional needs, enables them to respond to their child in a more sensitive and empathetic manner. Caregiver reflection is a central component of the Circle of Security, as it encourages caregivers to reflect on their own attachment experiences and how these experiences may influence their interactions with children. A study by Scher et al. (2019) demonstrated that parents who participated in the Circle of Security program reported improved communication, empathy, and a stronger sense of connection with their children.
3. Impact on Adult Attachment Styles
While the primary focus of the Circle of Security is on children, its positive effects extend to adults as well. As parents or caregivers learn to provide a secure and nurturing environment for their children, they generally also experience personal growth and a shift in their own attachment styles.
Research by Benjamin et al. (2015) explored the relationship between participating in the Circle of Security program and adult attachment styles. The study found that parents who completed the program displayed a more secure attachment style themselves. This suggests that by fostering secure attachment in their children, caregivers may also improve their own attachment patterns, leading to healthier adult relationships.
The Journey from Early Childhood to Adult Relationships
The journey from early childhood to adult relationships is marked by attachment patterns developed in infancy and the lifelong impact these patterns have upon social and emotional functioning. Understanding the Circle Security model provides insights into the impact of attachment on relationships and offers a path towards building healthier, more secure connections from early childhood through adulthood. Developing secure attachment is a process that begins in childhood and continues into adulthood.
1. Early Childhood: The Foundation of Attachment
Early childhood experiences, especially those with primary caregivers, serve as the foundation for attachment styles. Secure attachments formed during this period provide a sense of safety, emotional support, and trust. The Circle of Security intervention provides a safe and nurturing environment for children, which includes being responsive and attuned to their needs. In doing so, the child develops a healthier sense of self, forms healthy relationships, and overall increased emotional resiliency. This becomes the basis for healthy relationships in the future.
2. Adolescence: Attachment Styles in Transition
As individuals grow and develop, their attachment styles may undergo changes and adaptations. Adolescence, in particular, is a time when individuals may start to form romantic relationships, which can influence and be influenced by their existing attachment styles. The security or insecurity of these relationships can be traced back to early childhood experiences as well as the parenting styles utilised by caregivers like the Circle of Security.
3. Adulthood: The Intersection of Past and Present
By the time individuals reach adulthood, their attachment styles are well-established, but they are not set in stone. Research suggests that adult attachment styles are influenced by early experiences but can also be modified through therapeutic interventions and conscious efforts. Individuals who have experienced secure attachments in their early years may find it easier to build healthy, secure relationships with partners and friends.
However, for those with less secure attachment styles, there is hope. Engaging in therapies that focus on attachment, like the Circle of Security, can help individuals understand their present less effective (or possibly maladaptive) attachment patterns and work towards developing more secure and robust, fulfilling relationships.
Conclusion
The Circle of Security is a powerful tool for promoting secure attachment relationships between caregivers and children. By providing guidance on how to be emotionally available and responsive while also allowing space for exploration and autonomy, this program has a significant impact on attachment styles in both children and their caregivers.
Research has shown that the Circle of Security can enhance attachment security in children, improve parent-child relationships, and even lead to positive changes in the attachment styles of the adults closest to them. This intervention is not only valuable in early childhood but can also have a lifelong impact, shaping the quality of relationships and emotional well-being in adulthood.
Today’s parents often face relentless pressure to attain perfection. However, in our relentless pursuit of flawlessness, there is a danger that we may overlook the genuine emotional requirements that children have for lasting security throughout their lives. And Circle of Security helps in learning to balance nurturing and protectiveness with promoting their child’s independence.
As we explore the journey from early childhood to adult relationships, it becomes clear that attachment styles developed during the early years, really do play a crucial role in shaping our connections and interactions with people throughout our lives. By understanding the positive impact of Circle of Security, we can appreciate its significance in fostering secure attachments and promoting healthier, more fulfilling relationships from childhood through adulthood. And more importantly, improve self-understanding, flexibility, and the willingness to make and learn from mistakes 😊.
References:
1. Hoffman, K. T., Marvin, R. S., Cooper, G., & Powell, B. (2006). Changing toddlers’ and preschoolers’ attachment classifications: The circle of security intervention. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 74(6), 1017-1026.
2. Scher, A., Sharabany, R., & Gur-Yaish, N. (2019). Parent-child relationship and children’s socioemotional adjustment: Parenting self-efficacy as a mediator. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 28(5), 1233-1243.
3. Benjamin, J. H., Hirsch, R., & Akiva, T. (2015). Enhancing parental sensitivity and attachment security in at-risk families: A 7-month, 4-month follow-up study. Attachment & Human Development, 17(4), 352-372.
For more information on the Circle of Security, please visit: https://www.circleofsecurityinternational.com/circle-of-security-model/what-is-the-circle-of-security/
For additional reading on attachment theory, please refer to: https://gowriesa.org.au/docs/Attachment-Resource-Booklet-E-Book.pdf
