Examining examples and components of attachment in the story of Salámán and Absál from John Bowlby's point of view

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Professor of Persian Language and Literature, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract
John Bowlby (1907-1990) is an English researcher famous for his child development and attachment theory. His view is one of the most important theories that refers to the relationship between parents (primary caregiver or wet nurse or substitute mother) and the child and its consequences in adulthood. He defines attachment as a stable psychological relationship between two people that continues until adulthood because the behavior of dependence has a biological origin and forms the basis of emotional bonds. Childhood attachment extends to adulthood and determines the future of a person. Various narrations are available about the allegorical poems of Salámán and Absál. This is the story of Prince Salaman and wet-nurse, Absal who develops a fondness for him and turns into her romance. In this mystical story, a deep attachment and emotional bond between the wet nurse, who is like a mother, and the child emerges, which turns into a passionate love in adulthood. The wet-nurse creates such a safe base and a sense of security in Salaman that Salaman decides to commit suicide by avoiding the wet nurse. In this story, attachment has an evolving component that helps Salaman survive. According to the research results, in the story of Salámán and Absál, from Bowlby's view, an insecure relationship between parent and child has caused mistrust, difficulty in coordination and sensitivity, and emotional dissatisfaction in romantic relationships in adulthood.

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