Although three-year-old Adam goes right to the attractive toys located in the dentist's waiting room, he periodically returns to his mother's side for brief moments. He most clearly displays signs of .

The correct answer is secure attachment.

Bowlby's attachment theory describes the importance of the initial relationship that develops between the baby and his primary caregiver. This affective bond, called attachment, provides the basis for social, emotional and even cognitive development. In addition, attachment relationships continue to influence ideas, feelings, motives and intimate relationships throughout life.

Research shows that secure attachment is a protective factor that optimizes developmental outcomes, while children with insecure attachment are more prone to social problems and maladjustment; and children with disorganized attachment are at higher risk for psychopathology and unsatisfactory results

The impact of secure attachment on human life has an influence even in adulthood and the person tends to make safe and stable personal relationships. In a context of secure attachment, the child learns to be himself, feels unique and exclusive to his parents.