Shaver Attachment Theory
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When trying to make sense of our close relationships, it also helps to understand how people form romantic attachments to each other.
To begin with, people differ in their comfort with intimacy in a very predictable manner.
Different Styles of Attachment
Briefly, the way we form an attachment to our romantic partners is based upon the kind of care we received as an infant. And as infants, we typically form an attachment to our primary caregiver, in one of three ways.
Please note, this page draws on the work of Bartholomew, Bowlby, Shaver and Hazan’s work on attachment styles and Cole and Leet’s review of research on attachment styles.
As Children
When caregivers are consistently available and responsive, infants form a secure style of attachment (also see, Ainsworth). By and large, secure children feel safe and comfortable, and are able to explore and develop new skills with minimal anxiety or concern.
...MSRP: $56,700; as tested: $69,725
As a card carrying Winter Denialist, I'm loving this season. I know that some people like snow. But me? I'm good. Had a ton last year, saw some this year. Bring on Spring. There's a theory among we WD's that certain actions can help keep Ol' Man Winter at arm's length. For example, if you buy a new snow blower, the Fickle Universe may respond by refusing to snow, so you can't use it. There are other variations on this theory — buying new snow tires, even new skis. This year, I'm trying another variation: test driving a lot of four wheel drive vehicles. Therefore, this week's test drive (and sacrifice to the Weather Gods) is the 2012 BMW X5.
The X5 is a midsize, luxury crossover. One of the pioneering entries in this class (first offered in 1999), it's still one of the best, wrapping luxury, utility and sportiness in a handsome package. All models are All Wheel Drive (which carry the designation xDrive, in BMW-speak). Excluding the Uber Performance, X5 M, three models are offered, each with a distinct engine. The xDrive 35i packs a three liter six cylinder. The turbocharged six is rated at 300 horsepower and 300 lb. ft. of torque. Next up is the xDrive 50i, which is powered by a 4.4 liter V-8. The 50i ups the ante on turbos (twin) and muscle (400 horsepower and 450 lb. ft. of torque). Naturally, raising the power lowers the time it takes to get from 0-60. The six makes the trip in the mid-six second range, while the V-8 shaves about a second off of that time. The third engine choice — and the one fitted in our test driver — is BMW's 3.0 liter, 6 cylinder turbo diesel. While its 0-60 time (about 7 seconds) is still quite respectable for a 2 1/2 ton vehicle, the focus of the xDrive 35d's engine shifts from m.p.h. to m.p.g's. The turbo diesel gets an EPA estimated 19 miles per gallon in town, and 26 mpg's on the highway. A 22.5 gallon fuel tank gives this model a theoretical cruising range of 585 miles. With 425 lb. ft. of torque on tap to go along with 265 horsepower, the turbo diesel ladles out the low end power in generous helpings. The X5 diesel feels snappy off the line, and travels comfortably at highway speed, with only some slight valve clatter to remind you that it's a diesel.
