“This book will prove richly rewarding to those already deeply steeped in attachment theory, research, clinical intervention, and even public policy, as well as those new to the subject. It could serve as a primary text for a graduate psychology class. The book comprises brief chapters by developmental, social, biological, and clinical psychologists who both embrace and critique attachment theory and research. It provides deep insight into such fundamental issues as conceptualization and measurement of attachment security across the life course, determinants and consequences of variation in security/insecurity and attachment state of mind, and underlying neurobiology. Classical and cutting-edge research is masterfully reported and evaluated in an effort to move the field in an interdisciplinary lifespan direction. This volume is an intellectual feast—enjoy the meal!”

—Jay Belsky, PhD, Robert M. and Natalie Reid Dorn Professor, Program in Human Development, University of California, Davis


“This is a volume of extraordinary importance for our knowledge about attachment relationships in human development, and for the application of that knowledge in systems across the lifespan and across societies. It could not be more timely as an incisive update on attachment research, which over the past decade has expanded and has been increasingly extended into neuroscience and education. Many fields will no doubt benefit from the rich insights provided by these chapters. I have no doubt that this landmark volume will be a standard reference for years to come.”

—Robert C. Pianta, PhD, Novartis Professor of Education and Dean, School of Education and Human Development, University of Virginia


“This is one of the more important books on attachment theory of the last few decades. Thompson, Simpson, and Berlin have brought together a who’s who of attachment scholars to confront nine fundamental issues. Several innovations make this a standout volume—among them, the mix of senior and emerging scholars, which leads to fresh perspectives on crucial questions, and the focused, concise chapter format. This book will serve to stimulate ideas in those familiar with the field and will be an excellent text for graduate courses on research and theory in developmental psychology.”

—Megan R. Gunnar, PhD, Regents Professor, Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota


“Attachment theory has grown continuously, with increasing relevance for theoretical, clinical, research, and public policy domains. Thompson, Simpson, and Berlin, together with their excellent contributors, have produced a volume of immeasurable significance. Chapters assess where the field of attachment currently stands and consider perspectives for the future. I highly recommend this comprehensive work to educators, researchers, and clinicians interested in early development.”

—Joy D. Osofsky, PhD, Paul J. Ramsay Endowed Chair of Psychiatry and Barbara Lemann Professor of Child Welfare, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center


“As one who has been reading and teaching and conducting research on attachment for 30-plus years, I cannot overstate this book's timeliness or value. This is exactly the book that the attachment field needs right now! And how wonderful that this theory, which has been extraordinarily generative for more than 50 years, still offers so many important questions to be explored. It was such a good idea to ask both seasoned and emerging scholars to collaborate in tackling the most fundamental questions. The editors certainly got the questions right—and the responses are penetrating and thought provoking. Every chapter is tightly focused and concise, making the book an ideal text for courses on attachment and related topics at both the graduate and advanced undergraduate levels. I am continually asked by friends and colleagues outside this area what they should read about attachment. This is the book I will be recommending!”

—Cindy Hazan, PhD, Department of Psychology, Cornell University