Episode 9: Attachment

We're joined by therapist and author Jessica Fern to discuss attachment theory and the lens it gives us onto consensual non-monogamy monogamy.

Attachment theory grew out of the work of researchers John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth. It began as a study of childhood attachment to primary caregivers and evolved into a framework that helps illuminate the dynamics of close relationships through life. It tracks people's attachment styles on two axes, self esteem and sociability and broadly divides those styles into four quadrants - secure, avoidant/dismissive, anxious/preoccupied and fearful.

Jessica's book polysecure considers CNM in the context of attachment theory and, together with Jonathan and Zayna, she explores what it has to tell us.