CMU Psychology Department

Studies show that secure attachment tends to be related to a child's future well-being but they generally do not prove a direct casual relationship. Other factors like heredity(nature) or the environment(nurture) could also be crucial in producing secure attachment and a better future well-being. For instance, in twin studies, identical twins display many similar personalities even when they grow up in different environments, suggesting that genetics and certain pre-dispositions could affect a child's personality and behavior when they grow up. They could also directly affect the child's response and receptiveness to early attachment.

Also, other environmental factors might play powerful roles in generating a positive outcome. Caring parents and a stable family can produce a conducive platform for their child to mature and lead to secure attachment but the child grows up having to interact in other environments as well such as school. Such external factors continue to modify the child's experiences and influence their behaviors, even with continued support from the family.