attachment theory

noun

A theory stating that an infant must form a close relationship with at least one primary caregiver to ensure survival and develop healthy social and emotional functioning.

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Meanings

nounattachment theory (uncountable)
  1. uncountableA theory stating that an infant must form a close relationship with at least one primary caregiver to ensure survival and develop healthy social and emotional functioning.
Cite this entry
APA

attachment theory. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/attachment%20theory

MLA

“attachment theory.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/attachment%20theory. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “attachment theory,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/attachment%20theory.

Source: attachment theory on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.