Rethinking Attachment Theory: A Call to Decolonize and Culturally Adapt
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Authors
Werle, Tina
Issue Date
2025-03
Type
Capstone
Language
Keywords
attachment theory , attachment styles , Eurocentic bias
Alternative Title
Abstract
Attachment theory is an integral part of the psychotherapy field and is often used to understand a person's interpersonal patterns. There are four attachment styles, with the secure attachment style being viewed as the only healthy and preferred one. This capstone questions the notion of one healthy attachment style and sheds light on the Eurocentric bias underlying attachment theory. The literature review section provides various evidence that the basic assumptions of attachment theory may be inappropriate for clients from certain cultural backgrounds. It highlights the need for counsellors and mental health professionals to become aware of the limitations of our understanding of attachment and the risk of potential harm when these are overlooked. It offers an overview of how attachment theory and attachment styles can be beneficial while emphasizing areas to be cautious about and offering some insight into further needs for improvement. This paper highlights the need for multicultural competence, underscoring its significance and its specific relationship to attachment theory.