Criticisms of attachment theory

Whilst attachment theory is a useful model, there are several criticisms of its use.

Can you think of any?

Criticisms of attachment theory - click on the image to reveal criticism.

Mother and father walking with a toddler on a beach Mother and father walking with a toddler on a beach

  1. Attachment patterns should not be viewed as a diagnosis, but as a framework for supporting a child.
  2. The original theory focuses solely on attachments within a nuclear family.
  3. The strange situation does not take account of the fact that children behave differently with different adults.
  4. There is little account of individual temperament or cultural differences.