Attachment in Adulthood: Structure, Dynamics, and Change

by Mario Mikulincer, Phillip R. Shaver

Synthesizing a vast body of empirical research and organizing it around a comprehensive conceptual model, this book is recognized as the definitive reference on adult attachment. The authors explain how what began as a theory of child development is now used to conceptualize and study nearly all aspects of social functioning across the lifespan, including mental representations of self and others, emotion regulation, personal goals and strivings, couple relationships, caregiving, sexuality, psychopathology, psychotherapy, and organizational behavior. The origins and measurement of individual differences in adult attachment are examined, as is the question of whether and how attachment patterns can change.

New to This Edition:
*Reflects major advances, including hundreds of new studies.
*Clarifies and extends the authors' influential model of attachment-system functioning.
*Cutting-edge content on genetics and on the neural and hormonal substrates of attachment.
*Increased attention to the interplay among attachment and other behavioral systems, such as caregiving and sexuality.
*Expanded discussion of attachment processes in counseling and psychotherapy.
*Additional coverage of leadership, group dynamics, and religion.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Relationships, Self Help, Counselling, Parenting, Personal Growth

690 pages, Hardcover

First published May 14, 2007

Reviews

[Hilary Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an accessible and comprehensive source of information about how attachment influences our relationships in adulthood

[Μαρία · Rating 5 out of 5]

Βασιζόμενοι στην επιστήμη - κι όχι μόνο θεωρία- του Δεσμού του Bowlby, το ταξίδι της εξήγησης της σύνδεσης και της πρόσδεσης συνεχίζεται αναπόφευκτα μέχρι τα βαθιά γεράματα κι αναλύει πώς διαμορφώνεται όλη μας η ζωή υπό το φακό και το πρίσμα του τι και πώς μάθαμε, απ' όπου το μάθαμε, να σχετιζόμαστε. Αλλά και τι έρχεται μ' αυτό. Αυτόματα.

[Robert Bogue]

Useful. In short, the concept of attachment that started with Bowlby so long ago is useful. It’s useful for shaping parents’ responsiveness, public policy, and even understanding how adults respond in relationships. It’s even important to understand what we can do to change our relationships in ways that are more enriching for us and for others. Attachment in Adulthood: Structure, Dynamics, and Change walks through the world of attachment and the rich research that improves the way we understand and respond to others.

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[Laney Dugan · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re interested in reading a textbook on attachment in adulthood, then this is a great place to start. 🤓😝 This was very broadly sourced, and covered so many topics of varying level of interest to me… but I enjoyed it and am glad to have read it! I think initially I was surprised that I knew as much as I did already on the topic, but the more specific it got into different niche topics, the more I realized I was learning a lot. The chapter on attachments’ impact on leader-follower relationships was especially interesting and insightful.

[Katja Riya]

Unfortunately, I couldn't finish the whole book as I expected more practical info in these 702 pages. (& it took too much time to read it in English that is not my native language)
I mean, I wish more info about how to work ( or how they have been working ) with different types of attachments, but actually it's a strong academic theory overview of the attachment theory in different fields & related researches.

[Zack]

This book was really helpful for me.