Adult Attachment: Theory, Research, and Clinical Implications

by W. Steven Rholes (Editor), Jeffry A. Simpson (Editor)

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.

Genres: Psychology

482 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[AJW · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overall I found this book to be informative and helpful.

I'm not a psychologist so I can't offer an expert assessment. I chose to read this book as I find Attachment Theory is very relevant to understanding adult-adult relationships as well as parent-child relationships where it was first formulated by John Bowlby.

Reading this book gave me a better understanding of the complex interplay between early nurture, internalised views of self, emotion regulation (or lack of!) and patterns of interpersonal interactions. It was encouraging to read that a person doesn't have to stay stuck with one attachment style providing they are willing to working hard at changing their working models and behaviour.

[Beneth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I find myself wanting to edit this book. In my field, the word that describes the writing style is "legalese." It means adding to or contributing to the addition of unnecessary extra words to each of one's sentences and one's whole writing generally to try or work toward trying to impress or imposing knowledge of one's erudition on the reader of one's written words comprising writing and blah de blah wherefore blah unduly inhibiting the potential reader's comprehension. . . In psychology, I don't know what the word is. Maybe it hasn't been invented yet. Maybe "psychobabbles?" It's frustrating, because it makes what would be good reading of interesting subject matter unnecessarily difficult to decipher. Anyway, I'm giving it a shot; it's got some new interesting science to it.