With contributions from leading investigators, this volume presents important theoretical and empirical advances in the study of adult attachment. Chapters take stock of the state of knowledge in the field and introduce new, testable theoretical models to guide future research. Major topics covered include stability and change of attachment orientations across the lifespan; influences of attachment on cognitive functioning; and implications for the ways individuals experience intimacy, conflict, caregiving, and satisfaction in adult relationships. Also explored are the ways attachment theory and research can inform therapy with couples and can further understanding of such significant clinical problems as PTSD and depression.

Reviewer:Gary B Kaniuk, Psy.D.(Cermak Health Services)
Description:This book covers attachment across the lifespan, in terms of theory, assessment, intrapersonal, and interpersonal aspects. Attachment theory is a comprehensive model of psychological functioning, stemming from Bowlby's work in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Most people are familiar with attachment theory and young children, but this book goes to great lengths to show how it is measured and understood in adulthood.
Purpose:According to the editors, this book brings together leading investigators to show-case important theoretical and empirical advances in adult attachment during the last decade. Reviewing the state of the science of this dynamic area -- and updating the growing knowledge base -- chapters also consider clinical implications and introduce new, testable theoretical models to guide future research. The book meets the editors' objectives.
Audience:The editors state, highlighting new directions and emerging issues, this book is a timely, authoritative resource for attachment researchers; instructors and students in developmental, social, and clinical psychology and related mental health disciplines; and clinicians working with individuals and couples. It serves as a uniquely informative text for advanced undergraduate- or graduate-level courses in attachment theory and close relationships. The editors and contributors are credible authorities.
Features:The book covers many areas of adult attachment including theoretical assumptions, attachment measures, self-representations, interpersonal aspects, and applied issues such as PTSD, depression, and attachment styles. I especially enjoyed chapter 7, Working Models of Attachment: New Developments and Emerging Themes. It was a nice theoretical discussion, pulling the details together of how adult relationships are influenced in a multifaceted manner by a long history of social and emotional experiences. Unfortunately, readers can get stuck in the mud in places because the material is difficult to comprehend. This probably would affect the undergraduate audience, who may not have a good handle on all the psychological jargon.
Assessment:All in all, this book contains a large amount of information on adult attachment, providing theoretical constructs, reviewing assessment tools, and looking at both interpersonal and intrapersonal perspectives. The editors and contributors integrate the most recent research findings. Finally, the clinical applications are helpful to see how the theory is really used with clients. I certainly learned a lot from this book because the contributors are experts in the field who have dedicated their lives to studying this important theory.

Categories:

• Science & Math
  • Behavioral Sciences