Attachment Theory: The Basics

This book provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to key concepts of attachment theory, from the work of its founder John Bowlby to the most recent research within the field.

The first part of the book gives readers a clear understanding of attachment theory during infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood and in bereavement. The second part of the book illustrates how attachment theory can be used to inform clinical interventions with children in different contexts, adults, and within wider health, social and educational systems. Using case examples throughout, the authors provide the reader with a practical understanding of the clinical applications of attachment theory across the lifespan and in varying health, social care and educational systems.

Attachment theory is one of the most important lifespan development theories and is relevant to students and practitioners from a wide range of disciplines, including medicine, nursing, psychology, child development, mental health and applied social sciences.

Dr Ruth O’Shaughnessy is a consultant clinical psychologist and clinical lead for the award-winning Cheshire and Merseyside Specialist Perinatal Service and for the North West Coast Perinatal Clinical Network.

Professor Katherine Berry is Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Manchester and a practicing clinical psychologist. She has published over 100 papers on attachment theory in adulthood and has edited two previous books on attachment theory in adult mental health.

Professor Rudi Dallos is Emeritus Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Plymouth and works as a family therapist in his own private practice.

Dr Karen Bateson is an independent clinical psychologist with a 30-year career which has included working clinically in the NHS, developing interventions for the NSPCC, and as Head of Clinical Strategy and Development for the Parent-Infant Foundation.