Family & Relationships What’s Your Attachment Style? With Dr. Amir Levine By Amy Morin, LCSW, Editor-in-Chief Published on January 30, 2023 Print Verywell / Julie Bang Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Meet Amir Levine Why Amir Levine Is Mentally Strong What You’ll Hear on the Show What You’ll Learn About Mental Health and Mental Strength Quotes From Dr. Levine More About the Podcast Every Monday on The Verywell Mind Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Amy Morin, LCSW, interviews authors, experts, entrepreneurs, athletes, musicians, and other inspirational people about the strategies that help them think, feel, and do their best in life. Follow Now: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts / Amazon Music Meet Amir Levine Dr. Amir Levine is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry in the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Columbia University. He’s a leading researcher on molecular processes unique to the developing brain. His research has uncovered findings that may lead to changes in how mood disorders and addictions are treated in adolescents and adults. He’s also the co-author of a popular book, "Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find and Keep Love." In it, he describes how understanding our attachments in adulthood can improve our relationships. The Different Types of Attachment Styles Why Amir Levine Is Mentally Strong Dr. Levine studies the complex processes in the brain, and he uses the information to inform the way mental health issues and substance use disorders are treated. He can also take complex information and turn it into easy-to-understand concepts that his readers are eager to apply to their relationships. His book’s popularity increased during COVID–when many people found their relationships struggling. His information is shared widely on social media as his readers have an in-depth understanding of their behavior based on his insights. How Has the Pandemic Affected Your Relationship? Readers Weigh In What You’ll Hear on the Show What we know about childhood attachment versus adult attachment How your peer relationships affect your attachment style Why you’re capable of changing your attachment style The three different attachment styles The statistics on how many people experience each attachment style How each attachment style plays out in adult relationships How to identify your attachment style How your partner can impact your biology and your emotions Why you may want to identify your partner’s attachment style How understanding the fit between your attachment style and your partner’s attachment style can improve your relationship How there are advantages to each of the attachment styles How acting secure can give you insight into your relationship Coping With an Insecure Attachment Style What You’ll Learn About Mental Health and Mental Strength Mental health is often discussed in terms of diagnoses and pathological issues. But it’s important to look at behavior and problems concerning the environment and other people too. The people around you can have a huge impact on your well-being. It’s also important to look at the fit between your personality and someone else’s personality. Relationships have the power to help you be your best, as well as the power to drag you down a bit. Two healthy people may still have some dysfunctional dynamics. Similarly, two individuals struggling in life might come together to bring out the best in one another. And while you can’t change the people around you, you can certainly change your behavior—which can shift a relationship. Quotes From Dr. Levine Dr. Amir Levine The attachment style you have in childhood is not necessarily the attachment style you're going to have as an adult. — Dr. Amir Levine "There are studies that show that if we're in a secure relationship and we have a cut, it will heal faster." What Is Anxious Preoccupied Attachment? More About the Podcast The Verywell Mind Podcast is available across all streaming platforms. If you like the show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. Reviews and ratings are a great way to encourage other people to listen and help them prioritize their mental health too. Editor’s Note: Please be mindful that this transcript does not go through our standard editorial process and may contain inaccuracies and grammatical errors. Thank you. For media or public speaking inquiries, contact Amy here. Download the Transcript Links and Resources Check out Dr. Levine’s book: Attached Check out Dr. Levine’s research: Columbia University If You Liked This Episode, You Might Also Like These Episodes Don’t Text Your Ex Happy Birthday With Former Bachelor Nick Viall How to Tell if Someone Is Lying With Psychologist Paul Ekman Heal a Broken Heart With ‘Breakup Bootcamp’ Author Amy Chan What Is Emotional Attachment and Is Yours Healthy? By Amy Morin, LCSW, Editor-in-Chief Amy Morin, LCSW, is the Editor-in-Chief of Verywell Mind. She's also a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, and international bestselling author. Her books, including "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do," have been translated into more than 40 languages. Her TEDx talk, "The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong," is one of the most viewed talks of all time. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit Speak to a Therapist Online Advertiser Disclosure × The offers that appear in this table are from partnerships from which Verywell Mind receives compensation.