Attachment theory, developed by psychoanalyst John Bowlby in the 1950s and expanded by Mary Ainsworth, suggests that early interactions with caregivers shape our patterns of relating to others throughout life. These patterns, known as attachment styles, influence how we form and maintain relationships.

The four primary attachment styles are:
- **Secure Attachment**: Characterized by comfort with intimacy and independence, often resulting from responsive caregiving.
- **Anxious Attachment**: Involves a fear of abandonment and a constant need for reassurance, typically stemming from inconsistent caregiver responses.
- **Avoidant Attachment**: Marked by discomfort with closeness and a preference for emotional distance, often developing from caregivers who are emotionally unavailable.
- **Disorganized Attachment**: Features a mix of anxious and avoidant behaviors, usually arising from caregivers who are frightening or neglectful.

Understanding your attachment style can provide insight into your relationship behaviors and help identify areas for personal growth.