Abstract
Though attachment research today is best conceptualized as integrationist and multidisciplinary, it is important to remember that attachment theory was born out of clinical process. Bowlby [1–3] was first and foremost a psychoanalyst, and he drew from clinical experiences with children and adults to conceptualize his theory. Many of his ideas developed in response to dissatisfaction with the prevailing perspectives of the time. Though Melanie Klein, his supervisor at the time, was quite influential in his thinking about object relations, her conceptualization of development focused almost exclusively on internal conflict rather than external events in the child’s family and environment [4, 5]. Contrary to Klein’s perspective, during the analysis of a 3-year-old boy, Bowlby observed direct links between disturbances in the mother and pathology in the child. Such experiences in analytic treatment formed the basis for his assertion that early attachment difficulties increase vulnerability to later psychopathology.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References
Bowlby J. Attachment and loss, Separation: anxiety and anger, vol. 2. New York: Basic Books; 1973.
Bowlby J. The making and breaking of affectional bonds: I. Aetiology and psychopathology in light of attachment theory. Br J Psychiatry. 1977;130:201–10.
Bowlby J. Attachment and loss, Attachment, vol. 1. 2nd ed. New York: Basic Books; 1982.
Bretherton I. Attachment theory: retrospect and prospect. Monogr Soc Res Child Dev. 1985;50:3–35.
Bretherton I. The origins of attachment theory: John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth. Dev Psychol. 1992; 28:759–75.
Ainsworth MS, Blehar MC, Waters E, Wall S. Patterns of attachment: a psychological study of the strange situation. Hillsdale: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates; 1978.
Paterson RJ, Moran G. Attachment theory, personality development, and psychotherapy. Clin Psychol Rev. 1988;8:611–36.
Van IJzendoorn MH. Adult attachment representations, parental responsiveness, and infant attachment – a meta analysis of the predictive validity of the adult attachment interview. Psychol Bull. 1995;117:387–403.
Waters E, Merrick S, Treboux D, Crowell J, Albersheim L. Attachment security in infancy and early adulthood: a twenty-year longitudinal study. Child Dev. 2000;71:684–9.
Hamilton CE. Continuity and discontinuity of attachment from infancy through adolescence. Child Dev. 2000; 71:690–4.
Weinfield NS, Sroufe LA, Egeland B. Attachment from infancy to young adulthood in a high-risk sample: continuity, discontinuity and their correlates. Child Dev. 2000;71(3):695–702.
Lewis M, Feiring C, Rosenthal S. Attachment over time. Child Dev. 2000;71:707–20.
Fraley RC. Attachment stability from infancy to adulthood: meta-analysis and dynamic modeling of developmental mechanisms. Pers Soc Psychol Rev. 2002;6:123–51.
Grossmann KE, Grossmann K, Waters E. Attachment from infancy to adulthood: the major longitudinal studies. New York: Guilford; 2005.
Main M, Weston DR. The quality of the toddler’s relationship to mother and to father: related to conflict behavior and the readiness to establish new relationships. Child Dev. 1981;52:932–40.
Main M, Hesse E. Parents’ unresolved traumatic experiences are related to infant disorganized attachment status: is frightened or frightening parental behavior the linking mechanism? In: Greenberg MT, Cicchetti D, Cummings EM, editors. Attachment in the preschool years: theory, research, and intervention. Chicago: University of Chicago Press; 1990. p. 161–84.
Main M, Kaplan N, Cassidy J. Security in infancy, childhood, and adulthood: a move to the level of representation. Monogr Soc Res Child Dev. 1985;50:66–104.
Obegi JH, Berant E. Attachment theory and research in clinical work with adults. New York: Guilford; 2009.
George C, Kaplan N, Main M. The berkeley adult attachment interview. Unpublished manuscript. Berkeley: Department of Psychology, University of California; 1985.
Hazan C, Shaver P. Romantic love conceptualized as an attachment process. J Pers Soc Psychol. 1987;52: 511–24.
Shaver P, Hazan C, Bradshaw D. Love as attachment. In: Sternberg RJ, Barnes ML, editors. The psychology of love. New Haven: Yale University Press; 1988. p. 68–99.
Bartholomew K. Avoidance of intimacy: an attachment perspective. J Soc Pers Relat. 1990;7:147–78.
Bartholomew K. Assessment of individual differences in adult attachment. Psychol Inq. 1994;5:23–7.
Bartholomew K, Horowitz LM. Attachment styles among young adults: a test of a four-category model. J Pers Soc Psychol. 1991;61:226–44.
Bartholomew K, Shaver PR. Methods of assessing adult attachment: do they converge? In: Simpson JA, Rholes WS, editors. Attachment theory and close relationships. New York: Guilford Press; 1988.
Crowell JA, Fraley RC, Shaver PR. Measurement of individual differences in adolescent and adult attachment. In: Cassidy J, Shaver PR, editors. Handbook of attachment: theory, research, and clinical applications. New York: Guilford Press; 1999. p. 434–65.
Shaver PR, Belsky J, Brennan KA. The adult attachment interview and self-reports of romantic attachment: associations across domains and methods. Pers Relationship. 2000;7:25–43.
Korfmacher J, Adam E, Ogawa J, Egeland B. Adult attachment: implications for the therapeutic process in a home visitation intervention. Appl Dev Sci. 1997;1:43–52.
Anisfeld E, Casper V, Nozyce M, Cunningham N. Does infant carrying promote attachment? An experimental study on the effects of increased physical contact on the development of attachment. Child Dev. 1990;61: 1617–27.
Cicchetti D, Toth SL, Rogosch FA. The efficacy of toddler-parent psychotherapy to increase attachment security in offspring of depressed mothers. Attach Hum Dev. 1999;1:34–66.
Toth SL, Rogosch FA, Manly JT, Cicchetti D. The efficacy of toddler-parent psychotherapy to reorganize attachment in the young offspring of mothers with major depressive disorder: a randomized preventive trial. J Consult Clin Psychol. 2006;74(6):1006–16.
Lieberman AF, Van Horn P, Ippen CG. Toward evidence-based treatment: child–parent psychotherapy with preschoolers exposed to marital violence. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2005;44:1241–7.
Lieberman AF, Ippen C, Van Horn P. Child-parent psychotherapy: 6-month follow-up of a randomized controlled trial. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2006;45:913–8.
Heinicke CM, Goorsky M, Levine M, Ponce V, Ruth G, Silverman M, et al. Pre and postnatal antecedents of a home visiting intervention and family developmental outcome. Inf Mental Health J. 2006;27:91–119.
Van den Boom DC. The influence of temperament and mothering on attachment and exploration: an experimental manipulation of sensitive responsiveness among lower-class mothers with irritable infants. Child Dev. 1994;65:1457–77.
Cohen NJ, Muir E, Lojkasik M, Parker CJ, Barwick M, Brown M. Watch, wait, and wonder: testing the effectiveness of a new approach to mother–infant psychotherapy. Inf Mental Health J. 1999;20:429–51.
Marvin R, Cooper G, Hoffman K, Powell B. The circle of security project: attachment-based intervention with caregiver-preschool child dyads. Attach Hum Dev. 2002;1:107–24.
Hoffman K, Marvin R, Cooper G, Powell B. Changing toddlers’ and preschoolers’ attachment classifications: the circle of security intervention. J Consult Clin Psychol. 2006;74:1017–26.
Klerman G, Weissman MM, Rounsaville B, Chevron E. Interpersonal psychotherapy of depression. New York: Basic Books; 1984.
Johnson SM. Attachment theory a guide for healing couple relationships. In: Rholes WS, Simpson JA, editors. Adult attachment. New York: Guilford Press; 2004. p. 367–87.
Makinen JA, Johnson SM. Resolving attachment injuries in couples using emotionally focused therapy: steps toward forgiveness and reconciliation. J Consult Clin Psychol. 2006;74:1055–64.
Bateman A, Fonagy P. Effectiveness of partial hospitalization in the treatment of borderline personality disorder: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Psychiatry. 1999;156:1563–9.
Bateman A, Fonagy P. Treatment of borderline personality disorder with psychoanalytically oriented partial hospitalization: an 18-month follow-up. Am J Psychiatry. 2001;158:36–42.
Bateman A, Fonagy P. 8-year follow-up of patients treated for borderline personality disorder: mentalization-based treatment versus treatment as usual. Am J Psychiatry. 2008;165:631–8.
Bateman A, Fonagy P. Randomized controlled trial of outpatient mentalization-based treatment versus structured clinical management for borderline personality disorder. Am J Psychiatry. 2009;166:1355–64.
Fonagy P, Leigh T, Steele M, Steele H, Kennedy R, Mattoon G, et al. The relation of attachment status, psychiatric classification, and response to psychotherapy. J Consult Clin Psychol. 1996;64:22–31.
Reis S, Grenyer BFS. Fearful attachment, working alliance and treatment response for individuals with major depression. Clin Psychol Psychother. 2004;11:414–24.
Strauss B, Kirchmann H, Eckert J, Lobo-Drost A, Marquet A, Papenhausen R, et al. Attachment characteristics and treatment outcome following inpatient psychotherapy: results of a multisite study. Psychother Res. 2006; 16:579–94.
Stalker CA, Gebotys R, Harper K. Insecure attachment as a predictor of outcome following inpatient trauma treatment for women survivors of childhood abuse. Bull Menninger Clin. 2005;69:137–56.
Tasca GA, Kerri R, Conrad G, Balfou L, Gayton J, Lybanon V, et al. Attachment scales predict outcome in a randomized controlled trial of two group therapies for binge eating disorder: an aptitude by treatment interaction. Psychother Res. 2006;16:106–21.
Meyer B, Pilkonis PA, Proiette JM, Heape CL, Egan M. Attachment styles and personality disorders as predictors of symptom course. J Pers Disord. 2001;15:371–89.
Pilkonis PA. Personality prototypes among depressives: themes of dependency and autonomy. J Pers Disord. 1988;2:144–52.
Cyranowski JM, Bookwala J, Feske U, Houck P, Pilkonis P, Kostelnik B, et al. Adult attachment profiles, interpersonal difficulties, and response to interpersonal psychotherapy in women with recurrent major depression. J Soc Clin Psychol. 2002;21:191–217.
Lawson DM, Brossart DF. Attachment, interpersonal problems, and treatment outcome in group therapy for intimate partner violence. Psychol Men Masculinity. 2009;10:288–301.
McBride C, Atkinson L, Quilty LC, Bagby MR. Attachment as moderator of treatment outcome in major depression: a randomized control trial of interpersonal psychotherapy versus cognitive behavior therapy. J Consult Clin Psychol. 2006;74:1041–54.
Dolan RT, Arnkoff DB, Glass CR. Client attachment style and the psychotherapist’s interpersonal stance. Psychother. 1993;30:408–11.
Eames V, Roth A. Patient attachment orientation and the early working alliance: a study of patient and therapist reports of alliance quality and ruptures. Psychother Res. 2000;10:421–34.
Goldman GA, Anderson T. Quality of object relations and security of attachment as predictors of early therapeutic alliance. J Couns Psychol. 2007;54:111–7.
Hietanen OM, Punamäki R. Attachment and early working alliance in adult psychiatric inpatients. J Ment Health. 2006;15:423–35.
Satterfield WA, Lyddon WJ. Client attachment and perceptions of the working alliance with counselor trainees. J Couns Psychol. 1998;42:187–9.
Mallinckrodt B, Porter MJ, Kivlighan DM. Client attachment to therapist, depth of in-session exploration, and object relations in brief psychotherapy. Psychother Theor Res Pract Training. 2005;42:85–100.
Levy KN, Temes CM, Critchfield KL. Differential use of psychotherapy treatment by young adults as a function of sex, ethnicity, religion, and adult attachment style. Manuscript in preparation.
Riggs SA, Jacobvitz D. Expectant parents’ representations of early attachment relationships: associations with mental health and family history. J Consult Clin Psychol. 2002;70:195–204.
Hoermann S, Clarkin JF, Hull JW, Fertuck EA. Attachment dimensions as predictors of medical hospitalizations in individuals with DSM-IV Cluster B personality disorders. J Pers Disord. 2004;18:595–603.
Vogel DL, Wei M. Adult attachment and help-seeking intent: the mediating roles of psychological distress and perceived social support. J Couns Psychol. 2005;52:347–57.
Dozier M. Attachment organization and treatment use for adults with serious psychopathological disorders. Dev Psychopathol. 1990;2:47–60.
Kobak RR. The attachment Q-sort. Unpublished manuscript. Newark: University of Delaware; 1989.
Ciechanowski PS, Katon WJ, Russo JE, Walker EA. The patient–provider relationship: attachment theory and adherence to treatment in diabetes. Am J Psychiatry. 2001;158:29–35.
Dozier M, Lomax L, Tyrrell CL, Lee S. The challenge of treatment for clients with dismissing states of mind. Attach Hum Dev. 2001;3:62–76.
Shapiro D, Hardy G, Aldridge J, Davidson C, Rowe C, Reilly S. Therapist responsiveness to client attachment styles and issues observed in client-identified significant events in psychodynamic-interpersonal psychotherapy. Psychother Res. 1999;9:36–53.
Diamond D, Clarkin J, LeVine H, Levy K, Foelsch P, Yeomans F. Borderline conditions and attachment: a preliminary report. Psychoanal Inq. 1999;19:831–84.
Dozier M, Cue KL, Barnett L. Clinicians as caregivers: role of attachment organization in treatment. J Consult Clin Psychiatry. 1994;62(4):793–800.
Slade A. Attachment theory and research: implications for the theory and practice of individual psychotherapy with adults. In: Cassidy J, Shaver PR, editors. Handbook of attachment: theory, research, and clinical applications. New York: Guilford Press; 1999. p. 575–94.
Slade A. The development and organization of attachment: implications for psychoanalysis. J Am Psychoanal Assoc. 2000;48:1147–74.
Slade A. The move from categories to process: attachment phenomena and clinical evaluation. Inf Mental Health J. 2004;25:269–83.
Bruck E, Winston A, Aderholt S, Muran JC. Predictive validity of patient and therapist attachment and introject styles. Am J Psychother. 2006;60:393–406.
Schauenburg H, Buchheim A, Beckh K, Nolte T, Brenk-Franz K, Leichsenring F, et al. The influence of psychodynamically oriented therapists’ attachment representations on outcome and alliance in inpatient psychotherapy. Psychother Res. 2010;20:193–202.
Zegers MA, Schuengel C, van IJzendoorn MH, Janssens JMAM. Attachment representations of institutionalized adolescents and their professional caregivers: predicting the development of therapeutic relationships. Am J Orthopsychiatry. 2006;76:325–34.
Tyrrell CL, Dozier M, Teague GB, Fallot RD. Effective treatment relationships for persons with serious psychiatric disorders: the importance of attachment states of mind. J Consult Clin Psychol. 1999;67(5):725–33.
Hardy GE, Stiles WB, Barkham M, Startup M. Therapist responsiveness to client interpersonal styles during time-limited treatments for depression. J Consult Clin Psychol. 1998;66:304–12.
Hardy GE, Cahill J, Shapiro DA, Barkham M, Rees A, Macaskill N. Client interpersonal and cognitive styles as predictors of response to time-limited cognitive therapy for depression. J Consult Clin Psychol. 2001;69:841–5.
Kanninen K, Salo J, Punamäki R. Attachment patterns and working alliance in trauma therapy for victims of political violence. Psychother Res. 2000;10:435–49.
Rubino G, Barker C, Roth T, Fearon P. Therapist empathy and depth of interpretation in response to potential alliance ruptures: the role of therapist and patient attachment styles. Psychother Res. 2000;10:408–20.
Dinge U, Strack M, Sachsse T, Schauenburg H. Therapists’ attachment, patients’ interpersonal problems, and alliance development over time in inpatient psychotherapy. Psychother Theor Res Pract Training. 2009;46:277–90.
Stiles WB, Honos-Webb L, Surko M. Responsiveness in psychotherapy. Clin Psychol Sci Pract. 1998;5:439–58.
Travis LA, Bliwise NG, Binder JL, Horne-Moyer HL. Changes in clients’ attachment styles over the course of time-limited dynamic psychotherapy. Psychother Theor Res Pract Training. 2001;38:149–59.
Diamond D, Clarkin JF, Stovall-McClough KC, Levy KN, Foelsch PA, Levine H, et al. Patient–therapist attachment: impact on the therapeutic process and outcome. In: Cortina M, Marrone M, editors. Attachment theory and the psychoanalytic process. London: Whurr Publishers, Ltd; 2003. p. 127–78.
Levy KN, Kelly KM, Meehan KB, Reynoso JS, Clarkin JF, Lenzenweger MF, et al. Change in attachment patterns and reflective function in the treatment of borderline personality disorder with transference focused psychotherapy. J Consult Clin Psychol. 2006;74:1027–40.
Levy KN, Diamond D, Yeomans FE, Clarkin JF, Kernberg OF. Changes in attachment, reflection function, and object representation in the psychodynamic treatment of borderline personality disorder. Unpublished manuscript; 2007.
Muller RT, Rosenkranz SE. Attachment and treatment response among adults in inpatient treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder. Psychother Theor Res Pract Training. 2009;46:82–96.
Samstag LW, Muran JC, Wachtel PL, Slade A, Safran JD. Evaluating negative process: a comparison of working alliance, interpersonal behavior, and narrative coherency among three psychotherapy outcome conditions. Am J Psychother. 2008;62:165–94.
Clarkin JF, Yeomans F, Kernberg OF. Psychotherapy of borderline personality. New York: Wiley; 2006.
Eagle M, Wolitzky DL. Adult psychotherapy from the perspectives of attachment theory and psychoanalysis. In: Obegi JH, Berant E, editors. Attachment theory and research in clinical work with adults. New York: Guilford Press; 2009. p. 351–78.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2012 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Levy, K.N., Meehan, K.B., Temes, C.M., Yeomans, F.E. (2012). Attachment Theory and Research: Implications for Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. In: Levy, R., Ablon, J., Kächele, H. (eds) Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Research. Current Clinical Psychiatry. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60761-792-1_24
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60761-792-1_24
Published:
Publisher Name: Humana Press, Totowa, NJ
Print ISBN: 978-1-60761-791-4
Online ISBN: 978-1-60761-792-1
eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)