Attachment during adolescence

Abstract

The use of attachment theory to understand some of the changes that occur during adolescence is becoming increasingly common. In this paper we analyze in the light of this theory the changes that take place after puberty in the adolescent’s relationships with parents and peers, and the emergence of romantic relationships. The different patterns of attachment constructed in early childhood will be predict a lot about how these relational processes develop.Thus, the empirical evidence reviewed indicates that boys and girls with secure models best resolved the task of getting emotional autonomy from their parents and also show a better competence for friendly and romantic relationships. By contrast,  reoccupied/ambivalent and dismissing/avoidant adolescents not only present more difficulties in relationships, but also may have an increased emotional and behavioral maladjustment. Many of the problems with these subjects are related to unsafe limitations in emotional regulation capacity is strongly influenced by the security of attachment established in childhood.