Attachment theory criticism

Whilst attachment theory is a useful model, there are several criticisms of its use. Can you think of any?

  • attachment patterns should not be viewed as a diagnosis, but as a framework for supporting a child
  • the original theory focuses solely on attachments within a nuclear family.
  • the strange situation does not take account of the fact that children behave differently with different adults
  • there is little account of individual temperament or cultural differences
Mother and father walking with a toddler on a beach Mother and father walking with a toddler on a beach