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Patterns of attachment: A psychological study of the strange situation (classic edition)
Ethological attachment theory, significantly shaped by John Bowlby and Mary D. Salter Ainsworth, provides a profound framework for understanding primary relationships throughout the human lifespan. Ainsworth’s Baltimore Longitudinal Study, a continuation of her earlier work in Uganda, generated pivotal findings on the nature of the child’s attachment to their primary caregiver and underscored the critical impact of early experiences. This research not only addressed various conceptual and methodological challenges common in developmental studies but also advanced the understanding of behavioral assessments and individual differences. As we progress into the fourth generation of attachment research, the legacy of Ainsworth’s work remains evident, with a diverse array of behavioral and narrative methodologies emerging from the foundational concepts of the Strange Situation and secure base. The inclusion of Patterns of Attachment in the Psychology Press Classic Editions series ensures its enduring relevance, making it an essential resource for contemporary students, researchers, and clinicians in the field of nutritional psychology and beyond. [NPID: Attachment theory, caregiver, early life, behavior]
Year: 2015
