Definition
Attachment theory was developed largely in Western, English-speaking contexts. Applying it to other cultures requires care about what generalizes and what does not.
Why it matters
Cross-cultural work has both confirmed core attachment findings and identified culturally specific patterns that Western instruments miss.
The Science
Cross-cultural attachment research has identified variability in classification distributions and in the meaning of specific caregiver behaviors.
The NSI Perspective
NSI holds attachment as a broadly human framework with culturally specific expression.
Clinical Implications
Clinicians should not impose Western attachment classifications without cultural context.
Practical Application
If a friend or partner’s attachment expression differs from yours, ask about the family and cultural context. The differences may be legible there.
References
- 1.Keller H. Universality claim of attachment theory: children’s socioemotional development across cultures. PNAS. 2018;115(45):11414–11419.