The research highlighted the importance of parental attachment and its association with unhealthy eating patterns in children and adults.

The relationship between attachment and high-caloric food (HCF) consumption.

- ESA may elicit a powerful biological and emotional desire to care for a dependent being
- creating symbols of safety in the absence of other attachment figures
- nonjudgmental and consistently available 

How does Attachment Theory support Emotional Support Animals?

- Dismissive (Avoidant) Attachment
- Fearful -Avoidant (Disorganized) Attachment
- Preoccupied (Anxious) Attachment
- Secure attachment 


Attachment Styles

Attachment theory is a psychological, evolutionary, and ethological theory concerning relationships between humans. This theory focuses on understanding the functions of a close bond with an attachment figure such as a parent or spouse. It was formulated by psychiatrist and psychoanalyst John Bowlby.

Columbia University

Pepperdine University

- Geropsychology
- Adolescent
- Childhood
- Attachment styles and physical/mental health

Physical and Mental Health Across the Lifespan

Important and/or general theories relevant to the field of Health Psychology
-	Attachment Theory
-	Family Systems Theory


Theories in Health Psychology

- Ancestors of dogs (wolves) live in complex social systems where they learn to interpret the needs of others around them so that they can work together
- Wolves have a heightened sensitivity to human emotions and intentions that may allow them to integrate more easily within human social systems.

The Human - Animal Bond: Dogs

Attachment is defined as a long-standing connection or bond with others. In the context of developmental psychology, it specifically refers to the crucial bond formed between an infant and a caregiver, which is considered the major social milestone of infancy. The study of attachment also extends to adulthood, examining the tendency to seek and maintain emotionally supportive relationships.

Attachment in Developmental Psychology

Pietromonaco, P. R., Uchino, B., & Dunkel Schetter, C. (2013). Close relationship processes and health: implications of attachment theory for health and disease. Health Psychology, 32(5), 499.

Close Relationship Processes and Health: Implications of Attachment Theory for Health and Disease

Wikipedia

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

There are a variety of motives that play into the dietary choices of adolescents.  Some of these are health motives, self-control, internal motives, and external/social motives.

Adolescents' Attitudes Towards Healthy Eating

Includes physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. Many veterans have history of ACEs. 

Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE)

As adults, more likely to report relationship instability, lower relationship satisfaction, and higher exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV).

Long-term Effects of Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) 

Attachment Theory

Introduced by Murray Bowen in the 1950s, family systems theory views households as emotional units with family members having interconnected lives and behavioral processes. Family environments, structures, routines, and relationships influence the development of each individual.

Family Systems Theory

- Less anxiety
- Comfort during trauma filled situations
- Improved Physical Health
- Fewer feelings of loneliness 
- Reciprocal care and love

Benefits of having an emotional support animal

The study of attachment in developmental psychology is guided by several central questions. Researchers seek to understand the mechanisms behind the formation of parent-infant bonds, the potential effects of neglect on these connections, and the reasons for variations in attachment styles among different children.

Key Research Questions in Attachment

The Strange Situation is a structured observational procedure developed by Mary Ainsworth to study attachment between infants, typically aged 12-18 months, and their primary caregivers. The procedure involves a sequence of events in a toy-filled room: the caregiver and infant are initially alone, then a stranger enters, the caregiver leaves the infant with the stranger, and finally, the caregiver returns to comfort the infant. An infant's reactions throughout these stages, especially during the reunion, are analyzed to determine their attachment style.

Mary Ainsworth's Strange Situation Procedure

Analyze the following scenario. Based on the child's actions and the caregiver's responses, what can be inferred about the nature of the emotional connection between them? Justify your conclusion with specific examples from the text.

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