Evolutionary Links- Attachments

 

EVOLUTIONARY TIES- DECODING RELATIONSHIP BEHAVIOURS- ATTACHMENTS

    The Theory of Attachment is based upon the assertion that the instinct to be in close relationship is embedded in our genes. It is the credit of John Bowlby's stroke of genius that made him realize that humans have been programmed by evolution to single out a few individuals in their lives and make them precious to them.  One is bred to be dependent on significant other. The need starts in womb and ends when one dies. Bowlby proposed that throughout evolution, genetic selection favored people who became attached because it provided a survival advantage. According to prehistoric times, people who relied only on themselves and had no one to protect them were more likely to end up as prey. Whereas, the ones who were with somebody and really cared about them sustained to pass on to their offsprings the preference to  form intimate bonds. As the matter of fact, the desire to be with someone special is so important that the brain has a biological mechanism specifically responsible for creating and regulating our connection with figures of attachment(parents, children and romantic partners). It is a mechanism which is known as "Attachment System" and consists of emotions and behaviors. It ensures we remain safe and protected by staying close to our loved ones.

Example:_

A child becoming frantic and searching wildly and cries uncontrollably in presence of stranger until he/she not with parent or caregiver.

    Heterogeneity is an important ingredient of evolution. As humans are heterogenous species, they vary greatly in attitudes, appearance and behaviors. This notion favors to a great extent for our abundance and our capacity, to fit into almost ecological niche on Earth. Any single environmental challenge would have potential to wipe us all out if we were all identical. The variability improves the chances that a segment of the population that is unique in some way might survive when other wouldn't. Attachment styles is no different from any other human characteristic, despite of the fact we all have a basic need  to form close bonds, the way we create them varies.  

    The environment that would be less advantageous to invest time and energy in just one person, because he or she would not likely be around for too long. This is the example of Avoidant Attachment Style. Another option, is a harsh environment is to act in the exact opposite manner and be intensely persistent and hypervigilant about staying close to your attachment figure. This the Anxious Attachment Style. In a more peaceful setting, the intimate bonds formed by investing greatly in a particular individual would yield greater benefits for both the individual and his or her offspring, hence a Secure Attachment style.

ANXIOUSLY ATTACHED people are often preoccupied with their relationships and tend to worry about their partner's ability to love them back.

AVOIDANT ATTACHED people equate intimacy with a loss of independence and constantly try to minimize closeness.

SECURELY ATTACHED people feel comfortable with intimacy and are usually warm and loving. 

    In modern society we are not hunted by predators as our ancestors were, though in evolutionary terms we are only a fraction of second away from the old scheme of things. Our emotional brain was handed down to us by  our ancestry communities who lived in a complete different era, and it is their lifestyle and the dangers they encountered that our emotions were designed to address. Our feelings and behaviors in relationships today are not very different  from those of our early ancestors. 

As humans we need to identify our own and recognize the attachment styles of others to find compatible partners and improve existing relationships. Having this idea it will enable individuals to have a road map for building stronger and more fulfilling connections.