Connection abstract theory: An exercise in abstract theorizing after Bowlby

Abstract

AbstractThis paper proposes connection abstract theory as a detailed abstract formulation of the volitional elements of John Bowlby's theory of child attachment and its expansion to include adult relationships. Connection abstract theory is a formal statement of causal connections within and between attachment and caregiving systems. It is so‐called to give an unambiguous name to the attachment–caregiving relationship. The analysis addresses some limitations traceable to the cultural background within which Bowlbian theory was developed. This paper rethinks these limitations by conceptualizing the emotional motivations for attachment and caregiving. In so doing, it goes beyond individual differences to focus on microfoundations of normative attachment and caregiving processes and expands the potential activators of attachment. Connection abstract theory asserts that caring is the emotion that motivates the caregiving system and that trust is the emotion that motivates the attachment system.