Mary Ainsworth's Attachment Theory In Possessing The Secret Of Joy

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Recommended: Comparing and contrasting the attachment theories of Bowlby and Ainsworth

Attachment Theory The attachment theory helps to examine who we form relationships with, why these relationships work or fail, and how the relationships help to develop us in adolescence and on to adulthood. Mary Ainsworth stated a child/infant needed a secure base from where they could explore the world (Bretheron, 1992). Ainsworth stated a secure base is an emotional rich environment (1963). She also formulated the ideal of maternal instincts allow the mother to meet the infants need and with that ability, the infant-mother attachment is solidified. Ainsworth methodology made it possible to test and empirically prove attachment theory (Bretheron, 1992). The attachment theory highlights the importance of a secure base, infants and young By linking Ainsworth’s attachment theory to Tashi-the protagonist in Possessing the Secret of Joy, one can summate how the relationship with our primary care taker can have a lifelong effect on determining the direction of life. The three most influential bonds throughout the life of Tashi were with Adam, Dura, and M’Lissa, yet her mother’s stoicism impacted Tashi the primary care giver) to a spouse, with carry-over from the mother infant relationship. Marriage normally increases self-esteem and secure a positive outlook in regards to relationship attachments. Even though Tashi and Adam had a very ardent sexual appetite for each other. Tashi still left Adam and Olivia behind. Tashi’s mental illness interfered with all aspects of her life. The loss of a secure and sacred relationship with her sister and the way her sister died interfered with all relationships Tashi developed going forward. Tashi’s stated “she went with Adam because he came for her”; consequently, Adam took on the role as a secure base. Tashi says of Adam-“she married him because he was loyal, gentle, and familiar”. A secure base is reliable, within close proximity, and meets the needs of the partner. Tashi cares for Adam, but displays indifference to her husband, except when she knows he’s going to visit his lover, Lissette. The fear of losing her secure base becomes overwhelming. In the midst of her episodes of madness, Tashi recognizes

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