The attachment theory is a complex idea that implies the long-term relationships and bonds between people, particularly children and parents relationships. The theory developed by John Bowl was lately corrected by Mary Ainsworth, eliminating the point that a mother was solely responsible for her infants’ development (Slater 2007). The idea of the theory is closely related to Fromm’s psychoanalysis and view of the theory. The research works conducted by Bacciagaluppi, Colmer, and Slater focus on identifying new means of the theory and connect their approaches to Fromm’s early works. Bacciaguluppi presents Bowlby’s attachment theory as the transformed form of Fromm’s opinion. At the same time, Colmer and colleagues support the point that early childhood is crucial in child development, directly appealing to attachment theory. Slater, on the other hand, highlights present implementations of attachment theory using Fromm’s contributions. All three researchers even not directly connect the attachment theory with Fromm’s psychoanalysis.
Bacciagaluppi (1989) emphasizes the evolution of Fromm’s ideas into Bowlby’s attachment theory. Fromm and Bowlby had standard views in different aspects of attachment theory, including its nature and impacts. For example, both researchers shared the common opinion that the primary character of attachment is convinced to the mother (Bacciagaluppi 2014). In addition, Bowlby and Fromm converged on the view that ethology is crucial in understanding the nature of attachment (Bacciagaluppi 2014). Accordingly, based on Fromm’s impact on attachment theory, Bacciagaluppi (1989) states that children have an inborn desire to attach to someone to feel safe. According to Bacciagaluppi (1989), this mechanism occurred during the early stages of human evolution and could be found in every individual. Moreover, Baccigaluppi (2014) asserts that Fromm’s most notable input indicates that society acting through family creates the most suitable character for itself. Thus, children form relationships because of unconscious desire and specific patterns of communication (Bacciagaluppi). This interpretation is crucial in promoting positive outcomes related to children’s behavior.
Colmer et al. (2011) describe the effects and applications of attachment theory to reinforce the position that positive and supporting relationships are closely related to children’s well-being and future success. Even the authors did not directly correlate with Fromm’s psychoanalysis; they applied to Bowlby’s view that Fromm initially developed. According to Colmer et al. (2011), the parent-child attachment bond requires constant revision and cultivation. Moreover, the authors declare that the attachment model constructed between a child and a primary caregiver is vital due to the child’s emotional and social development (Colmer et al., 2011). This idea claims Fromm’s position regarding the social impact on child development, considering an example of the child and the primary caregiver. Colmer et al. (2011) show that attachment theory combined with the primary caregiving model demands continuous reflection, dialogue, and support. Otherwise, children’s social and mental development will be interrupted, leading to problems in their relationship with family and society (Colmer et al., 2011). Colmer et al. (2011) observe that children’s development according to attachment theory helps primary caregivers emotionally regulate children’s behavior as well as build necessary skills. The position explained by Colmer and colleagues perfectly represents the effect of attachment theory on communication skills.
Slater (2007) explains the importance of attachment theory in current practice and indicates the advantages and disadvantages of the view. According to Slater (2007), attachment theory could help educators use sensitive and cognitive skills to regulate students’ behavior. Fromm’s psychoanalysis was used to outline the history of the theory as well as to provide positive and negative sides considering the primary source. For example, defining comprehensive relation-based interaction as an advantage, Slater (2007) appeals to Fromm’s view that economic, cultural, and institutional realities represent the bond. Additionally, Slater (2007) indicates Bowlby’s definition of emotional trauma according to attachment theory as a defensive process. Bacciagaluppi (2014) also mentioned the bond between attachment theory and trauma, based on his reflection of Fromm’s traumas and their influence on the idea. Another idea introduced by Slater (2007), which agrees with Fromm’s psychoanalysis, is the interdisciplinarity of attachment theory. The theory includes psychology, neuroscience, anthropology, and cognitive psychology (Slater, 2007). Furthermore, Slater (2007) points out that attachment theory remains ultimate for present structure and could be applied to achieve favorable results. Finally, Slater shows that the theory could be used in modern times.
To conclude, Fromm’s contribution to Bowlby’s attachment theory is prominent. The studies conducted by Bacciagaluppi, Colmer, and Slater relate to attachment theory and show Fromm’s psychoanalytic impact on the idea. Talking about the analysis made by Bacciagaluppi, it expresses the opinion of the evolution of Fromm’s view into Bowldy’s attachment theory. Moreover, Bacciagaluppi’s study suggests the point that indicates the evolutional moment of attachment theory and its role. Colmer and colleagues do not directly rely on Fromm’s idea; however, the bond constructed between their study and attachment theory gives a clear vision of the connection between the two concepts. Their research is directed to understand the relationship between early childhood and attachment theory. Finally, Slater explains the present implementation of the view and uses Fromm’s psychoanalytic as an outline expressing its importance in modern practice.
References
Bacciagaluppi, M. (1989). Attachment theory as an alternative basis of psychoanalysis. The American Journal of Psychoanalysis, 49(4), 311-318.
Bacciagaluppi, M. (2014). The relevance of Eric Fromm. The American Journal of Psychoanalysis, 74, 123-132.
Colmer, K., Rutherford, L., & Pam Murphy. (2011). Attachment theory and primary caregiving. Australasian Journal of Early Childhood, 36(4), 16–20.
Slater, R. (2007). Attachment: Theoretical development and critique. Educational Psychology in Practice, 23(3), 205-219.