What Affectional Bonds Mean in Attachment Theory

What Affectional Bonds Mean in Attachment Theory Theories Social Psychology Print Affectional Bonds According to Attachment Theory By Kendra Cherry facebook twitter Kendra Cherry, MS, is an author, educational consultant, and speaker focused on helping students learn about psychology. Learn about our editorial policy Kendra Cherry Updated on May 20, 2019 Kentaroo Tryman / Maskot / Getty Images More in Theories Social Psychology Behavioral Psychology Cognitive Psychology Developmental Psychology Personality Psychology Biological Psychology Psychosocial Psychology According to attachment theory, an affectional bond is a form of attachment behavior that one person has towards another. Perhaps the most common example of an affectional bond is that between a parent and child. Other examples include the bond between romantic partners, friends, and other family members. Criteria of an  Affectional Bond Psychologist John Bowlby described the term as he developed his highly influential attachment theory. According to Bowlby, as a mother responds to the needs of her child, a strong affectional bond is formed. This bond becomes integrated into the child’s personality and serves as a basis for all future affectional ties. Later, Bowlby’s colleague Mary Ainsworth described five criteria of affectional bonds: Affectional bonds are persistent rather than transitory. They often last for a long period of time and endure rather than coming and going.Affectional bonds are centered on a specific individual. People form strong feelings of attachment and affection towards certain people in their lives.The relationship involved in an affectional bond has strong emotional significance. These affectional bonds have a major impact on the lives of those who share them.The individual seeks contact and proximity with the person he or she has an affectional bond to. We desire to be physically close to the people we share affection with.  Involuntary separation from the individual leads to distress. In addition to seeking proximity, people become upset when they are parted from those they are attached to. Ainsworth suggested that the addition of a sixth criteriaâ€"seeking comfort and security in the relationshipâ€"turned the tie from an affectional bond into a true attachment relationship.