Attachment Loops and Limerence: A Theoretical Integration of Early Attachment Patterns and Adult Obsessive Love

This theoretical review explores the intersection between early attachment dynamics and the phenomenon of limerence—an obsessive, idealized form of romantic infatuation characterized by longing, intrusive thoughts, and emotional dependency. Building upon attachment theory, affective neuroscience, and clinical observations, this paper proposes that limerence is a psychological “attachment loop” driven by unresolved childhood attachment wounds. It introduces a conceptual model explaining how attachment insecurity and somatic dysregulation contribute to obsessive love patterns.