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The Neurobiology of Attachment: From Infancy to Clinical Outcomes

Joanna Chambers1

  • 1Associate Professor of Clinical Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine; Chair of Scientific Programs, American Academy of Psychoanalysis and Dynamic Psychiatry.

Psychodynamic Psychiatry
|December 16, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Attachment theory explains how early infant-caretaker bonds create lifelong neurobiological patterns. These early relationships impact future mental and physical health, influencing emotional responses and psychiatric conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Neurobiology
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Attachment Theory

Background:

  • Attachment theory, developed by John Bowlby, posits that early infant-caretaker relationships form an "inner working model."
  • This model significantly influences lifelong mental and physical health outcomes.
  • Extensive research in humans and animals investigates the neurobiological underpinnings of attachment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline the neurobiology of early development concerning attachment formation.
  • To review current understanding of attachment neurobiology.
  • To describe how primary caretaker relationships induce neurobiological changes affecting later life.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing research on attachment neurobiology.
  • Analysis of developmental impacts on infant neurobiology.
  • Correlation of early attachment experiences with later health outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Early caregiver relationships induce neurobiological changes in infants.
  • These changes affect adult emotional responses, reward processing, and perception.
  • Neurobiological alterations are linked to psychiatric illness and medical morbidity.

Conclusions:

  • The neurobiology of early development is crucial for understanding attachment.
  • Attachment experiences shape lifelong neurobiological pathways.
  • Understanding these pathways is key to addressing mental and physical health issues.

Keywords:
attachment theoryhypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axisneurodevelopmentoxytocin

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