Final answer:
The theorist associated with bonding and attachment is John Bowlby.
Step-by-step explanation:
The theorist associated with bonding and attachment is John Bowlby. Building on the work of Harlow and others, Bowlby developed the concept of attachment theory. He defined attachment as the affectional bond or tie that an infant forms with the mother. Bowlby proposed that this attachment bond is very powerful and continues throughout life. He used the concept of a secure base to define a healthy attachment between parent and child. A secure base is a parental presence that gives the child a sense of safety as they explore their surroundings.