Further research discovered that children tended to have the same attachment styles as their parents. ... Both the AAI and ECR are valid and reliable tests and so attachment is a real concept that can be measured.

Are attachment styles maladaptive?

Attachment theorists recognize three maladaptive attachment styles: dismissive-avoidant, fearful-avoidant and anxious-preoccupied attachment. They are characterized by low anxiety and high avoidance, high anxiety and high avoidance, or high anxiety and low avoidance.

Is the attachment theory used today?

Overall, applications of attachment theory have been significant and varied. Attachment theory has influenced large-scale public health and policy change and the development of effective therapeutic interventions. However there also appear to have been misapplications of attachment ideas and assessments.