Which theory posits that individuals have an intrinsic drive to form interpersonal relationships for reassurance and to be loved?

• A. Attachment theory
• B. Classical conditioning
• C. Token economy
• D. Sparkling moments

Answer: (A)

People are biologically wired to seek closeness and reassurance in their relationships. Attachment theory explains this intrinsic drive to form bonds with others because those bonds provide a sense of security, comfort, and being loved. From early on, seeking closeness to a caregiver creates a secure base that supports exploration and learning, and this need for safety and reassurance continues into adulthood, shaping how we connect with friends, partners, and family. The idea of an internal working model means the experiences we have with those close others influence our expectations and behavior in later relationships, guiding how we respond to stress and how much we seek closeness or distance. That fundamental motive—wanting to be near and cared for by others—fits attachment theory best.

Classical conditioning, by contrast, is about learning through association between stimuli and responses, not about an inherent need for relational reassurance. Token economy describes using tokens as incentives to reinforce desirable behaviors, a behavioral management technique rather than a theory about why we form relationships. The remaining option isn’t a recognized framework for interpersonal needs, so it doesn’t capture this universal drive in the way attachment theory does.