06/03/2026
Attachment theory and developmental psychology have demonstrated for decades that secure attachment is not created by shared DNA alone. It develops through consistent caregiving, emotional attunement, safety, responsiveness, and stability. While biology can influence development, secure attachment is formed through relationships. Research consistently shows that children thrive when they are raised by stable, nurturing caregivers who reliably meet their emotional and physical needs. The strongest predictor of healthy attachment is not genetic relatedness, but the quality and consistency of caregiving. That is one of the most well-established findings in developmental psychology.