Get an introduction to attachment theory, or attachment styles, and how they relate to your romantic relationships. These theories can be applied to any relationship you have. Friendship, business, professional, or family can all be affected by your relationship attachment style. These theories were originally thought of by British psychoanalyst John Bowlby and later expanded upon by his colleague Mary Ainsworth in the late 1960s and 1970s. In the 1980s the work was further expanded by Cindy Hazan, Jude Cassidy, and Phillip Shaver into adult romantic attachments. John and Ashley give a brief overview and description of attachment theory before diving more deeply into the topic in the next episode. You can also read our companion article "8 Ways To Heal Attachment Style Issues."