What is attachment theory primarily concerned with?

Attachment theory is primarily concerned with the emotional bond between children and their primary caregivers. This theory, developed by John Bowlby and later expanded by Mary Ainsworth, emphasizes the significance of the early relationships that children form with their caregivers, which can profoundly influence their emotional development and later relationships throughout life.

Bowlby's work focused on how the quality of this attachment impacts a child's sense of security, their ability to explore their environment, and their capacity to form healthy relationships in the future. Ainsworth's studies, particularly the "Strange Situation" experiment, provided insights into different attachment styles (secure, anxious, avoidant) based on how children responded to separation and reunion with their caregivers.

In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of relationships that are not the primary focus of attachment theory. The emotional bond between siblings, peer relationships, and adult romantic attachment, while important, do not encompass the foundational principles of attachment theory, which centers on the caregiver-child dynamic. Understanding these distinctions helps underscore the specificity of attachment theory's core concepts.