As interest in attachment theory continues to grow, misconceptions of the theory are becoming increasingly common. Important texts on major theoretical and empirical contributions are often too extensive for non-specialist readers or not readily available to clinicians. Designed to address a significant gap in literature, Attachment Theory and Research: A Readerpresents a carefully curated selection of book chapters and journal articles on the subject—complemented by previously unpublished material by the founder of the theory. This valuable new resource provides practitioners, students, policymakers, and general readers an accessible and up-to-date view of the concepts, development, and diversity of attachment theory.

The Reader comprises 15 succinct chapters by many of the most influential researchers in the theory, covering the basis of attachment theory and the current state of the field. The book brings together a wide range of works, many of which challenge common assumptions and offer intriguing new insights on attachment theory and research. Topics include psychoanalytic theories of separation anxiety, concepts of anxiety, stress, and homeostasis, the origins of disorganized attachment, cultural differences in caregiving practices, reactive attachment disorder (RAD) and disinhibited social engagement disorder (DSED), the future prospects of attachment theory, and more.

TOMMIE FORSLUND, Psychologist, PhD, is a researcher at the Department of Psychology, Stockholm University; and a researcher at SUF Resource Center, Region Uppsala, Sweden. He is a coder of the Strange Situation Procedure, author of an international consensus statement regarding attachment theory and research, and winner of The Society in Emotion and Attachment Studies dissertation award “Excellence in Attachment Research”.

ROBBIE DUSCHINSKY, PhD, is University Senior Lecturer in Social Sciences in the Primary Care Unit, University of Cambridge; and Director of Studies and a Fellow at Sidney Sussex College. He is the author of Cornerstones of Attachment Research (2020) and, with Kate White, co-editor of Trauma and Loss: Key Texts from the John Bowlby Archive (2019).