what is attachment
home / study / social sciences / psychology definitions / attachment. Attachment is a strong emotional connection, such as the bond between a child and caregiver. In psychology, the concept of attachment helps explain development and personality. In the 1950s, research by Harry Harlow suggested that baby monkeys (and, analogously, human infants) desire not merely to be fed but to connect emotionally with a caregiver.
By Kendra Cherry. Updated June 14, 2016. Attachment theory is focused on the relationships and bonds between people, particularly long-term relationships including those between a parent and child and between romantic partners.