The second edition of this thought-provoking and illuminating guide provides a comprehensive overview of modern attachment theory, covering key concepts, main attachment patterns, and their impact on mental health, physical health, and relationships. It also explores unresolved questions and controversies that continue to stimulate the theory. The new chapter considers the application of attachment theory across various settings, including forensic settings, child protection practice, and parenting interventions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 24 August 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This comprehensive and insightful guide is a valuable resource for students and professionals in psychology, counseling, social work, and health. It delves into the fundamental concepts of attachment theory and explores how these patterns shape individuals' relationships throughout their lives. Part I introduces the reader to the key components of modern attachment theory, including the importance of early relationships and the impact of attachment styles on adult relationships. Part II covers the four main attachment patterns (secure, avoidant, ambivalent, and disorganized) and examines their development across different stages of life. The mental health, physical health, and relationship issues associated with each pattern are also discussed. Part III acknowledges the unresolved questions and controversies that continue to stimulate the theory and features a new chapter that explores the application of attachment theory in various settings, such as forensic settings, child protection practice, and parenting interventions. This updated edition provides a fresh perspective on attachment theory and its relevance to contemporary society. Whether you are a student, professional, or simply interested in learning more about attachment theory, this guide will provide you with valuable insights and practical tools to enhance your understanding and application of this important theory.

Attachment Theory: A Comprehensive Guide for Students and Professionals

Attachment theory is a fundamental concept in psychology, counseling, social work, and health that explains the nature of human relationships and the impact of early experiences on adult behavior. This thought-provoking and illuminating guide will be a helpful companion for students and professionals across the fields of psychology, counseling, social work, and health. It explains the key concepts and describes how the main attachment types play out both in childhood and later life, and it identifies some of the intriguing questions being explored by research, such as:

• What part do individuals' attachment histories play in adult relationships?


• What scope is there for attachment styles established in infancy to change later in life?

Part I introduces the reader to the key conceptual components of modern attachment theory. Part II then covers the four main attachment patterns (secure, avoidant, ambivalent, and disorganized) that have been identified by attachment researchers. Each pattern is explored and examined as it plays out across the life course. The mental health, physical health, and relationship issues associated with each pattern are also considered. Part III takes a step back and acknowledges some of the unresolved questions and controversies that continue to stimulate the theory.

The Second Edition Features a Brand New Chapter

The second edition of this guide features a brand new chapter which considers the application of attachment theory across various settings, including forensic settings, child protection practice, and parenting interventions. This comprehensive and insightful guide is a valuable resource for students and professionals in psychology, counseling, social work, and health. It delves into the fundamental concepts of attachment theory and explores how these patterns shape individuals' relationships throughout their lives. Part I introduces the reader to the key components of modern attachment theory, including the importance of early relationships and the impact of attachment styles on adult relationships. Part II covers the four main attachment patterns (secure, avoidant, ambivalent, and disorganized) and examines their development across different stages of life. The mental health, physical health, and relationship issues associated with each pattern are also discussed. Part III acknowledges the unresolved questions and controversies that continue to stimulate the theory and features a new chapter that explores the application of attachment theory in various settings, such as forensic settings, child protection practice, and parenting interventions. This updated edition provides a fresh perspective on attachment theory and its relevance to contemporary society. Whether you are a student, professional, or simply interested in learning more about attachment theory, this guide will provide you with valuable insights and practical tools to enhance your understanding and application of this important theory.

Weight: 461g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350324657
Edition number: 2 ed