Enhancing the broaden-and-build cycle of attachment security as a means of overcoming prejudice, discrimination, and racism

Attachment theory emphasizes both the importance of supportive relationship partners, beginning in infancy, for developing a sense of security, and the adaptive benefits of this sense. In this article, we consider bolstering the sense of attachment security as a means of reducing and overcoming prejudice, discrimination, and racism. We review basic concepts of attachment theory, focusing on what we call the broaden-and-build cycle of attachment security. We review studies showing that the sense of attachment security is associated with reduced prejudice and less discriminatory attitudes and behavior toward people outside one's own social or racial group. Finally, we propose theoretical ideas and research suggesting that attachment security can protect against the adverse psychological effects of others' acts of prejudice and discrimination toward oneself. We conclude that, despite large gaps in the research literature, attachment theory is a useful conceptual framework for understanding and combatting prejudice, discrimination, and racism.

Automated summary

This article discusses the role of attachment theory in reducing and overcoming prejudice, discrimination, and racism, emphasizing the importance of attachment security. Studies show that attachment security is related to decreased prejudice and discrimination, as well as the ability to protect individuals from the psychological effects of external prejudice and discrimination.