Exploring Attachment Styles in Distance Learning Environments

Attachment styles have become an increasingly popular topic in our conversations around modern relationships. In social media in particular, it seems increasing numbers of TikTokers or podcasters use the language of attachment theory and attachment styles to explain common relationship patterns and relationship behaviors. Despite its recent prominence, attachment theory was actually first introduced in 1958 by Psychiatrist and Psychoanalyst John Bowlby, and is essentially the idea that our early caregiving experiences influence how we behave in relationships, and that these patterns from early childhood become hardwired and persist well into adulthood.

As instructors in higher education, a basic awareness of both our own attachment patterns and the patterns of our students may lead to better engagement overall, especially for those of us who adopt a relational pedagogical approach. For those of us who teach primarily online, these distance learning environments can create additional communication challenges and further activate insecure attachment styles or tendencies. The four primary styles of attachment are: secure, anxious, avoidant, and fearful avoidant. Recognizing the basic characteristics of each of these styles, as well as actionable strategies to implement when working with anxious or avoidant students, can lead to more successful outcomes for both students and teachers, and a more active and engaged learning experience overall.