Which key figure is primarily responsible for the development of attachment theory?

The key figure primarily responsible for the development of attachment theory is John Bowlby. His work laid the foundation for understanding how early relationships between children and their primary caregivers impact emotional and social development. Bowlby proposed that the bonds formed during early childhood are crucial for the individual's capacity to form stable relationships later in life. He emphasized that these attachments are not merely beneficial but are essential for survival, suggesting that children are biologically programmed to develop attachments to caregivers as a means of increasing their chances of survival.

Bowlby's research involved extensive observation of children and their behavioral responses to separation from their caregivers, which led him to articulate the concept of attachment styles (secure, anxious, avoidant) that would influence interpersonal relationships throughout life. His work has had lasting implications in psychology, child development, and even practices in psychotherapy and family dynamics.