Attachment Theory Expanded
Security Dynamics in Individuals, Dyads, Groups, and Societies
Mario Mikulincer and Phillip R. Shaver
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“Mikulincer and Shaver, two of our leading and most creative attachment theorists, have written an outstanding book that elevates attachment theory and future research to new levels. Their ambitious expansion of the theory to explain security dynamics beyond individuals to dyads, groups, and societal units is one of the boldest and most important extensions of the theory since Bowlby's original formulations. This book is a 'must read' for anyone interested in attachment processes and dynamics.”
—Jeffry A. Simpson, PhD, Distinguished University Teaching Professor and Chair, Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota
“More than any other scholars, Mikulincer and Shaver have led the evolution of attachment from a theory of early child development to a lifespan model of relationships and emotions. This far-reaching and deeply integrative book takes attachment theory the next step forward. It demonstrates how basic principles can be expanded to describe and explain the adaptive benefits of attachment security throughout life and across our many personal, social, group, and organizational relationships. Spanning diverse theories and a cornucopia of research, Mikulincer and Shaver’s eloquent, incisive account is sure to stimulate the intellectual appetites of novice and experienced scholars alike.”
—Harry T. Reis, PhD, Professor of Psychology and Dean's Professor in Arts, Sciences and Engineering, University of Rochester
“In Attachment Theory Expanded, Mikulincer and Shaver move attachment theory beyond a focus on security and safety, revealing the importance of a secure base in fostering learning, growth, friendship, intimacy, and psychological wellness. This highly accessible volume not only updates traditional attachment theory, but also links it to other contemporary perspectives in motivation, positive psychology, and mental health. Destined to become a classic, this book is relevant to scholars, students, and practitioners across the fields of social, clinical, and developmental psychology.”
—Richard M. Ryan, PhD, Institute for Positive Psychology and Education, Australian Catholic University; Distinguished Professor, Ewha Womans University, South Korea
Table of Contents
I. Attachment Theory: Its Original Version and Our Expansion of It1. Attachment Theory and Security Dynamics
2. An Outline of the Expanded Theory 
3. The Expanded Theory in Relation to Other Social-Psychological Theories
II. Seeking and Attaining Felt Security: The Distress-Relief Cycle Involving Proximity Seeking and Others’ Responsiveness
4. Facing Threats and Challenges: Seeking a Safe Haven and Secure Base for Exploration
5. A Cost of Becoming Attached: Facing the Threat of Attachment-Figure Unavailability
6. Feeling Protected and Supported: Calming and Empowering Effects
7. Feeling Protected and Supported: Security-Enhancing Effects
III. Intrapersonal, Relational, and Societal Implications of Attaining or Failing to Attain Security
8. The Broaden-and-Build Effects of Felt Security: Resilience, Subjective Well-Being, and Mental Health
9. The Broaden-and-Build Effects of Felt Security: Mature, Other-Oriented Love
10. The Broaden-and-Build Effects of Felt Security: Personal Growth and Autonomous Relatedness
11. Thwarted Security and the Development of Anxious and Avoidant Patterns of Self-Regulation and Relating
IV. Epilogue
12. Wrapping Up, Taking Stock
Appendices
References
Index
About the Authors
Mario Mikulincer, PhD, is Professor of Psychology and Founding Dean of the Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology at Reichman University in Israel. His research interests include attachment processes in adulthood, terror management theory, personality processes in interpersonal relationships, evolutionary psychology, human learned helplessness and depression, trauma and posttraumatic processes, and coping with stress. Dr. Mikulincer is a Fellow of the Association for Psychological Science and the Society for Personality and Social Psychology. He is a recipient of Israel’s EMET Prize for Art, Science, and Culture and of the Berscheid–Hatfield Award for Distinguished Mid-Career Achievement from the International Association for Relationship Research.Phillip R. Shaver, PhD, is Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Psychology at the University of California, Davis. He has published numerous books, including Handbook of Attachment, and over 400 journal articles and book chapters. Dr. Shaver’s research focuses on attachment, human motivation and emotion, close relationships, personality development, and the effects of meditation on behavior and brain. He is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association and the Association for Psychological Science and is past president of the International Association for Relationship Research, from which he received the Distinguished Career Award. He has also received an honorary doctorate from Stockholm University and Distinguished Career Awards from the Society of Experimental Social Psychology and the Society for Personality and Social Psychology. He is an elected member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Audience
Researchers and students in developmental, social, and clinical psychology and family studies; mental health practitioners.Course Use
May serve as a supplemental text in graduate-level courses.
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