A theoretically and empirically rich exploration of universal questions, this book examines the interplay of three distinct behavioral systems involved in romantic love. Leading attachment researchers are joined by proponents of other perspectives, including interdependence theory and self-expansion theory, to review the current state of knowledge in the field. Presented are compelling new studies that address intimacy, jealousy, self-disclosure, sexual behavior, partner violence, and other processes in both satisfying and dysfunctional relationships. Special topics include gender differences in attachment as well as attachment dynamics within same-sex couples.

About the Author

Mario Mikulincer, PhD, is Professor of Psychology and Provost of the Interdisciplinary Center (IDC) Herzliya in Israel. His research interests include attachment styles in adulthood, terror management theory, personality processes in interpersonal relationships, evolutionary psychology, human learned helplessness and depression, trauma and posttraumatic processes, coping with stress, qualitative research on emotional states, and mental rumination and self-focused attention. Dr. Mikulincer is a fellow of the American Psychological Society and the Society for Personality and Social Psychology. He is a recipient of Israel's EMET Prize for Art, Science, and Culture.

Gail S. Goodman, PhD, obtained her doctorate in developmental psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles, in 1977, and conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Denver and the Universite Rene Descartes in Paris, France. She is Professor of Psychology and Director of the Center for Public Policy Research at the University of California, Davis, and Professor of Forensic Psychology at the University of Oslo, Norway. Her research focuses on memory development, including attachment and memory, and forensic developmental psychology. Dr. Goodman has served as president of two divisions (Division 37, Child, Youth, and Family Services; and Division 41, Psychology and Law) and one section (Child Maltreatment, in Division 37) of the American Psychological Association. She has received many awards for her research, including two Distinguished Contributions awards in 2005 from the American Psychological Association.

Reviews

"This volume provides clear evidence of how far research in adult attachment has progressed in the last 20 years. The authors reveal great depth in theorizing, creativity in the application of methodologies, and a focus on a broader range of variables than ever before. Essential reading for all serious students of adult attachment."--Pat Noller, PhD, School of Psychology (Emeritus), University of Queensland, Australia

"Attachment theory is changing the world of social and clinical psychology, and this volume--with its rich general understanding and its ability to offer specific insights into the territory of relationships--is a fine example of the ever-expanding horizons of attachment theory and research. The book builds on the work of Phillip Shaver, who has led the field for two decades and who offers a transforming vision of adult attachment. The reader will find conceptual clarity, descriptions of fascinating research, and clinical wisdom on every page."--Susan M. Johnson, EdD, Professor Emeritus of Clinical Psychology, University of Ottawa, Canada; Distinguished Research Professor, Marital and Family Therapy Program, Alliant International University

"This outstanding volume updates and expands the groundbreaking research methodology and conceptual framework that has allowed psychologists to examine adult romantic relationships as attachments. It wasn't too long ago that this was viewed as a radical notion! With a solid understanding of attachment theory's roots in the fields of biology and evolution, the contributing authors make a significant advance by underscoring the ways in which attachment components of romantic relationships are interwoven with caregiving and sexuality. This volume offers key insights to researchers and clinicians interested in fully understanding the complexities of that 'crazy little thing called love.'"--Jude Cassidy, PhD, Distinguished Scholar-Teacher and Professor of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park - A comprehensive edited collection of romantic relationship research, addressing romantic love by examining the complex interplay between attachment, caregiving, and sex....This book demonstrates exceptional knowledge of the subject area and provides one of the most complete and sophisticated reviews of theoretical and empirical literature on the subject. As such, this introduction will be of great interest to graduate students and beginning attachment researchers, as well as more experienced professionals, and provides an excellent conceptual foundation regarding this literature....This book is broad in its coverage and extremely well written and organized. It provides an excellent review of the literature and demonstrates the evolution of adult attachment theory through introducing new applications of attachment theory and groundbreaking research....This book should be of great interest to graduate students, established researchers, and clinicians. It will be well suited as a textbook in a graduate level class with a focus on intimate/romantic relationships. --The Family Psychologist, 3/16/2006ff A book that should appear in many venues. It belongs in university libraries and also in the personal libraries of those of us who think about and study attachment, love, and human social interaction. In addition, it is a useful teaching text at the college and graduate levels, in developmental and social psychology and in any courses focused on effective presentation of research. Its reasonable price makes it accessible. It is easy to read and understand, and the discussions of research are models to be followed. Cognitive behavior therapists will find attachment theory a rich source of background understanding and this book a model of how to apply theory to practice....Dynamics of Romantic Love is a superb volume and should be read widely. --Child and Family Behavior Therapy, 3/16/2006ff I learned a lot from this book....For those interested in learning about the social psychology of attachment and how it relates to love, sex, or relationships, this is an important book with clinical, personality, and social psychology implications. --PsycCRITIQUES, 3/16/2006

Book Information
ISBN 9781593852702
Author Mario Mikulincer
Format Hardback
Page Count 466
Imprint Guilford Publications
Publisher Guilford Publications
Weight(grams) 820g