What's Your Attachment Style? With Dr. Amir Levine

The Verywell Mind Podcast features interviews with authors, experts, entrepreneurs, athletes, musicians, and other inspirational people. Host Amy Morin, LCSW, discusses the strategies that help guests think, feel, and do their best in life.

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About Dr. Amir Levine

• Dr. Amir Levine is an Assistant Professor in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Columbia University.
• He's a leading researcher on molecular processes in the developing brain.
• His research may lead to changes in how mood disorders and addictions are treated in adolescents and adults.
• He's the co-author of the popular book "Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find and Keep Love." This book explains how understanding our attachments in adulthood can improve our relationships.

Why Dr. Levine Is Mentally Strong

• Dr. Levine studies complex brain processes, using this information to inform how mental health issues and substance use disorders are treated.
• He can simplify complex information into easy-to-understand concepts that readers can apply to their relationships.
• His book's popularity grew during COVID-19, when many people struggled in their relationships. His insights are widely shared on social media, helping readers gain a deeper understanding of their behavior.

Show Highlights

• Distinctions between childhood and adult attachment
• How peer relationships affect attachment style
• The possibility of changing your attachment style
• The three main attachment styles
• Statistics on the prevalence of each attachment style
• How each attachment style manifests in adult relationships
• Identifying your attachment style
• How your partner can influence your biology and emotions
• Recognizing your partner's attachment style
• Using knowledge of attachment styles to improve relationships
• Advantages of each attachment style
• Acting secure to gain insights into your relationship

Mental Health and Mental Strength Insights

• Mental health discussions often focus on diagnoses and pathological issues. However, it's essential to consider behavior and problems concerning the environment and other people.
• The people around you can significantly impact your well-being. Consider the compatibility between your personality and others'.
• Relationships can either enhance or diminish your life.
• Even healthy individuals may experience dysfunctional dynamics in relationships. Conversely, two individuals with life struggles might bring out the best in each other. While you can't change the people around you, you can change your behavior, potentially shifting the relationship dynamic.

Quotes From Dr. Levine

• "The attachment style you have in childhood is not necessarily the attachment style you're going to have as an adult."

• "Studies show that if we're in a secure relationship and we have a cut, it will heal faster."

Podcast Information

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• Reviews and ratings encourage others to listen and prioritize their mental health.

Editor's Note: This transcript hasn't gone through our standard editorial process and may contain inaccuracies or grammatical errors. For media or public speaking inquiries, contact Amy here.

Links and Resources

• Dr. Levine's book: Attached
• Dr. Levine's research: Columbia University

Related Episodes

• Your Brain on Love
• How to Control Your Emotions
• The Science of Attachment Theory