Attachment Across Clinical and Cultural Perspectives brings together leading thinkers in attachment theory to explore its importance across cultural, clinical and social contexts and the application of attachment relationship principles to intervention with diverse groups of children and families. These contributions collectively illustrate the robustness of attachment research in the contexts of culture, early extreme deprivation, trauma and the developing brain, providing great inspiration for anyone embracing the idea of evidence-based practice.

Two chapters convey fundamentals of attachment theory, covering links between attachment and normal and pathological development and the interface between attachment and other features of evolutionary theory. Two others specifically tackle the cultural context of attachment; fundamental research findings with North American and European samples are shown to hold as well among indigenous people in a rural Mexican village, whilst the link between maternal sensitivity and secure attachment is demonstrated in a variety of cultures.

Further chapters explore the role of fear and trauma in the formation of attachment; one establishes intergenerational links between parental history of trauma, dissociative states of mind and infant disorganized attachment, another looks at the consequences of early extreme deprivation (institutional rearing) for attachment. A third describes the impact of attachment experiences on brain development. Finally, the book explores intervention guided by attachment theory, research on fear and trauma, and an understanding of how attachment experiences leave their mark on parental psyche and behaviour.

Attachment Across Clinical and Cultural Perspectives gathers authoritative information from leading experts in the field in an easily readable, practical way. It will appeal to psychoanalysts and psychoanalytic psychotherapists, to professionals who serve the developmental and mental health needs of adults, children and families, and anyone seeking to base their intervention work and therapy upon attachment principles.

About the Author

Sonia Gojman-de-Millan is an Executive Committee member of the International Federation of Psychoanalytic Societies (IFPS) and a psychoanalyst in private practice in Mexico City.

Christian Herreman is the Director of ENSO and a psychoanalyst in private practice in Mexico City.

L. Alan Sroufe is Professor Emeritus of Child Psychology in the Institute of Child Development at the University of Minnesota.

Reviews

"The authors of this remarkably comprehensive book have propelled forward attachment theory, research, and application. Attachment theory is integrated with evolution, brain development, and neuroscience. Especially important is the research charmingly documenting patterns of attachment in children raised in a remote Mexican village. The assertion that attachment patterns and crucial mother-baby interactions are limited to the culture of western countries is solidly refuted. Further the relevance for the application of attachment findings to pathogenesis, prevention, and therapy is well documented. The authors' relational approach is a valuable read for a full range of readers from students to the experts."-Joseph D. Lichtenberg, Editor-in-Chief of Psychoanalytical Inquiry and the Psychoanalytical Inquiry Book Series.

"This is a wonderful, beautifully written, up-to-date summary of current attachment theory and research as it relates to the work of psychoanalytic practitioners. The authors provide exceptionally clear introductions to the most important points of contact between attachment theory and psychodynamic practice, in perfect alignment with the vision of John Bowlby, who would be absolutely delighted to read this excellent volume. It is one of the best summaries available of the fields most relevant to practitioners today."-Peter Fonagy, Freud Memorial Professor of Psychoanalysis, UCL; The Anna Freud Centre, London.

Book Information
ISBN 9781138999688
Author Sonia Gojman-de-Millan
Format Paperback
Page Count 262
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 385g