Attachment Theory

Attachment theory provides a useful theoretical framework for understanding how relationships function to facilitate or hinder developmental progress, such as progress in career development. A central tenet of this theory concerns the central role of attachments as enduring emotional bonds of substantial intensity that influence healthy development and participation in satisfying relationships. Regularities in interactions with caregivers provide children with a sense of security. As individuals mature, cognitive representations (schemas)—or internal working models of attachment relationships—develop and become essential to the experience of security throughout the life span and are predictive of a number of adaptive outcomes. These models become activated and essential during times of stress. Continued participation in mutually satisfying relationships plays a significant role in healthy human development across the life span. Individuals at any age are better adjusted when they have confidence in the accessibility and responsiveness of a trusted other.

Anxiety generated by new situations, such as those encountered when engaging in career tasks, can be alleviated through the experience of attachment to a significant person in one's life who can provide emotional security. This relationship, referred to as the secure base, can provide some of the necessary ingredients for successful adaptation to a wide range of new contexts. The transition to a new work environment, which is undoubtedly even more complex for young people leaving school, represents the sort of challenge for which the experience of a secure base would be particularly important.

Much of the research on family relationships has investigated the role of attachment on various career behaviors. Specifically, attachment has consistently been found to be positively related to college students' degree of vocational exploration, career decision making, educational and career aspirations, expectations and orientation, and effective and healthy transitions.

Similarly, research has found that high school students who anticipated parental support for certain careers, also valued those careers. There also is support for the role of attachment on other career variables including adult adjustment to work, adaptive relationships at work, and career maturity. In the following sections, more information on career exploration, career decision making, occupational aspirations, expectations, and career orientation, and transitions is provided.