The Science and Clinical Practice of Attachment Theory

Bridging the gap between research and practice, this book reviews attachment processes across the lifespan and reviews its applications to infants, children, adolescents, and adults. Beginning with foundational work by pioneers like John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth, it explores the rich and varied history of attachment research. This volume examines how developmental science moved beyond parental influences in early childhood to study the role that other caregivers and attachment figures play across the lifespan, including foster parents, social peers, and romantic partners. Key concepts such as internal working models and secure vs. insecure attachment behaviors are reviewed in detail, as are important assessment measures like the strange situation procedure and the adult attachment interview. This foundational knowledge is translated into clinical implications, reviewing empirically based interventions like parent training techniques, attachment-based family therapy, and mentalization-based therapy. These are differentiated from so-called "attachment therapy" techniques that gained popularity despite being harmful and not based in attachment theory. Special features highlight notable moments and controversies in attachment theory and present case studies that bring the clinical guidelines to life.