Similar patterns of object attachment behavior has been observed in animals. Most famously demonstrated by Harry Harlow, young infant rhesus monkeys were found to display strong emotional attachments to their terry cloth artificial “mother” and showed a clear preference for it over a wired caged “mother” that dispensed milk. This research suggests that attachment to an object arises mainly as a function of comfort and security rather than nourishment.

Syracuse University

Sentimental object attachment is a psychological phenomenon that is theorized to begin early in childhood, wherein children develop an emotional attachment to a certain object as a maternal substitute. While natural maturation and independence should diminish the role these objects play in emotional security, there is a growing body of evidence exploring how and why object attachment may persist into adulthood. Little information is known about the reasons individuals experience sustainment from specific objects, but childhood object attachment is associated with favor for unique individuals, thereby subsequently influencing preferences for authentic objects in adulthood. Individuals can experience strong emotional bonds towards an object, such that if the object is lost, they can experience great emotional distress. 

Object attachment

Lee, A., & Hood, B. (2021). The origins and development of attachment object behaviour. Current Opinion in Psychology, 39, 72–75. https://doi-org.libezproxy2.syr.edu/10.1016/j.copsyc.2020.07.023

The origins and development of attachment object behaviour

A term coined by John Bowlby to refer to the specific objects that sustain comfort and emotional need for an individual. Research suggests AO function as maternal substitutions or providers of comfort and security through reduction of separation anxiety. 

Attachment objects (AO)

Individuals who have a propensity towards extreme object attachment may share the tendency to collect objects with hoarding disorder, however hoarding disorder typically involves the collection of any object that leads to “the accumulation of possessions that congest and clutter active living spaces,” regardless of any monetary or sentimental significance of an object, while object attachment behavior is much more focused on a limited array of personal belongings.

Differences between hoarding disorder & object attachment behavior

Research shows that a pathological attachment to material possessions is often correlated with reduced well-being. Public polling shows that 55% of Americans experience distress due to clutter in their home. Studies investigating both clinical object attachment (hording, compulsive buying) and subclinical object attachment (personal value of material possessions) have shown correlations between the psychological needs objects fulfill and a negative effect on overall well-being. 

The relationship between object attachment and well-being

In general, many children form a strong emotional connection to specific objects (teddy bears, blankets, pillows) wherein emotional distress can be experienced if separated from these objects. Reflecting Winnicott’s psychoanalytical perspective, these objects are referred to as “transitional” items that act as a mechanism to enable and facilitate emotional development through distancing from the mother or paternal figure.

Object attachment behavior in children

Object attachment behavior in animals

The majority of research collectively suggests AO retention into adulthood indicates a degree of emotional vulnerability and is indicative of deeper psychological distress. How and why attachment to specific objects persists remains unknown, however, and requires more research. Object attachments in adulthood are regarded as irreplaceable and personal to the individual self, with authenticity to the self seemingly elevating the value placed on the collectibles. Interpersonal factors, specifically interpersonal attachment style & potential for empathy, are theorized to play a significant role.

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