Healing factors of psychiatry in light of attachment theory.

Bowlby's attachment theory is an evolutionary biological model of human affectional bonding. Secure attachment to a parental figure has survival value and is necessary for normal development of the young. When secure attachment was lacking during formative years, the adult remains anxious about the availability of attachment figures in time of need. Persons seeking psychotherapy usually have such anxious attachment. Frank has pointed out features common to all psychotherapies. These common features describe a relationship which has the characteristics of a secure attachment. Strupp notes that specific technical skills are necessary for the success of psychotherapy. The therapist directs these techniques toward changing the patient's anxious attachment to a secure one. In the context of a secure attachment, the patient is able to change his attitudes, try new behaviors, and find fresh meaning in his world.