Attachment and Spiritual Maturity 22
Ainsworth differentiated 'affectional bonds' from role-oriented relationships and
emphasized the secure-base and safe haven functions as the main features of attachment
relationship. Most researchers agree that the defining features of an attachment
relationship are the provision of feelings ofcomfort and security. The role of the
attachment figure is two fold (Kirkpatrick, 1992). First, in the presence of threat, the
attachment figure is a haven of safety. Secondly, in the absence of threat, the attachment
figure is a secure base for exploration. The attachment figure is also a secure base when
there is distress and/or protest occasioned by potential or actual separation from the
attachment figure These defining features are what is needed to maintain a bonded relationship.
Stem furthered the development of a representational model of attachment with
his concept of 'episodic memory' (Tulving, 1972). This generalized episodic memory
contains multiple specific memories. As a structure it is closer to an abstract
representation. The structure describes the likely course of events, based on average
experiences. These expectations can be met or violated. The infant is not only able to
distinguish stimuli but to correlate stimuli, some of which belong to the self and some of
which belong to objects in the outside world. Stern (1985) claims that the schemata for
self and other is learned rather than innate, and the 'sense of core self forms between the
ages of six months and 2 years. During this period, four different senses of the self
emerge. Each one defines a different domain ofself-experience and social relatedness.
The sense ofan emergent self forms first followed by the core self, the subjective self, and
the verbal self. Each sense of self remains fully functioning and active throughout life
continuing to grow and coexist. In summary, attachment according to Bowlby (1969) and Ainsworth et al. ( 1978)
is viewed as an enduring emotional bond that promotes active exploration and mastery of
the environment, thereby supporting the development of autonomy. These affectional
bonds form an abstract representational model of self and other that becomes self
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker