Conclusion Of Attachment Theory

Attachment Theory The attachment theory validates how the relationship between a parent and a child influence their maturation in early childhood stages. First originated by John Bowlby, his theory ultimately demonstrated that children who are attached to their parents are influenced by the parents delinquent/criminal behaviors that lead to similar tendencies when they grow older (McLeod). Concluded in multiple experiments, the attachment theory and the relationship between the child and parent are imperative for socially acceptable behavior and child health. John Bowlby, the father of the attachment theory, created his conclusion based off that if a child is dependent on their parent physically and emotionally, then they will be able to …show more content…
Although the attachment theory doesn’t only apply to children, it is formed at the developing stages from newborns to late adulthood (Zimbardo). The attachment theory can also be highlighted in child custody amongst the parent. For some children of divorced parents, many realize that they favor one parents presence more than the other because they could be absent in their life, a drug abuser, an alcoholic, or one who created many problems in their household and with the law. Although some children are not considered a delinquent because they learned what is right from wrong, it is still proven that a child can adapt to that parents unlawful habits due to their neglect for their child through the studies made by …show more content…
For example, notorious serial killer, Gary Ridgway, who had a troubled upbringing that related to the attachment theory, could have influenced his crime spree. Growing up, Gary Ridgway was frequently a bedwetter and who 's mother would immediately clean up after him, would torment and embarrass him in front of his family (Montaldo). Ridgway’s mother could 've possibly effected her sons behavior by not fulfilling any positive reenforcement actions and distanced herself emotionally away from her son. Gary Ridgway was founded guilty of 48 charges of first degree murder for picking up prostitutes on a highway near his Washington state residence, having sexual intercourse in exchange for money, and then strangling his female victims and placing them in “clusters” of his other victims throughout the county (Montaldo). The impactful childhood that the serial killer went through played a very significant role in his criminal activities because from early memories of his life, he’s only known himself to be less of what he actually is. Although the attachment theory does not give Ridgway a valid excuse to rape and kill a great amount of innocent women, but it does explain the reasoning behind the choices he’s made as a murderer. If Gary Ridgway’s mother were to have given him more support as a child especially when instances happened and he wet the bed, then Ridgway wouldn’t have despised his mother and