Adult Attachment: Theory, Research, and Clinical Implications [Hardcover]

W. Steven Rholes PhD (Editor), Jeffry A. Simpson PhD (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 12, 2004 | ISBN-10: 1593850476 | ISBN-13: 978-1593850470 | Edition: 1

With contributions from leading investigators, this volume presents important theoretical and empirical advances in the study of adult attachment. Chapters take stock of the state of knowledge in the field and introduce new, testable theoretical models to guide future research. Major topics covered include stability and change of attachment orientations across the lifespan; influences of attachment on cognitive functioning; and implications for the ways individuals experience intimacy, conflict, caregiving, and satisfaction in adult relationships. Also explored are the ways attachment theory and research can inform therapy with couples and can further understanding of such significant clinical problems as PTSD and depression.

(20101008)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Rholes and Simpson have gathered a stellar cast to produce a cutting-edge treatment of one of the most vibrant and important domains in psychology. Fascinating, clear, comprehensive, and beautifully edited, this book is required reading for psychologists who want to know where adult attachment theory has been and where it is going, or who simply want to know more about the nature of human intimacy."--Garth Fletcher, PhD, Department of Psychology, University of Canterbury, New Zealand

"An exceptional and important text for anyone interested in adult attachment. Many of the field's major theoreticians and researchers have been assembled to offer sophisticated presentations of their state-of-the-art work. The editors and contributors are to be commended for producing a superb volume that is both broad and rich--the perfect text for a graduate course in contemporary attachment theory and research."--Kenneth N. Levy, PhD, Pennsylvania State University

"Along with providing comprehensive reviews of the literature across a number of attachment-related topics, this book directly confronts a number of long-standing issues in the field. These include the validity of self-reports; change and stability in attachment security; explicit versus implicit working models; and general versus relationship-specific attachment. Dealing with attachment issues in therapy is also an important focus. A 'must read' for those seriously interested in research in adult attachment."--Pat Noller, PhD, School of Psychology (Emeritus), University of Queensland, Australia

"The protocol and measurement techniques of this thorough study serves as a useful model for further research in the field."--EABP Newsletter

(EABP Newsletter )

About the Author

W. Steven Rholes, PhD, is Professor and Head of the Department of Psychology at Texas A&M University. He has conducted research programs in social cognition, children's social development, and adult attachment since receiving a degree in psychology from Princeton University in 1978. In 1992, along with his colleague Jeffry Simpson, Dr. Rholes published one of the first studies to confirm predictions about avoidant attachment style, using behavioral observations as evidence. For the past decade, the impact of attachment styles on emotional support sought and provided by members of romantic couples has been the central focus of his research program. Dr. Rholes has also served in two administrative positions, department chair and associate dean, during this period.

Jeffry A. Simpson, PhD, is Professor of Psychology at the University of Minnesota. Formerly, he was Professor of Psychology at Texas A&M University. Dr. Simpson received his doctorate in psychology from the University of Minnesota in 1986. His research focuses on interpersonal relationships, evolution and social behavior, and social influence, and he serves as Associate Editor for the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 482 pages
• Publisher: The Guilford Press; 1 edition (July 12, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1593850476
• ISBN-13: 978-1593850470
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.4 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,498,256 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good overview of Adult Attachment research, July 17, 2007

By 

grad student (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Adult Attachment: Theory, Research, and Clinical Implications (Paperback)

This is a helpful guide devoted solely to the field of Adult Attachment, with some of the major players contributing. It covers recent developments in the field, particularly applying new methods to studying adult attachment and new ways of conceptualizing attachment. It also devotes time to the history of the adult attachment field, which is helpful for anyone who needs an introduction to the roots of the field, development of measures to assess attachment, etc. It has helped me immensely with my research.

8 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars too technical, November 4, 2006

By 

Brenda Roudebush "ghost" (Portland, OR US) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Adult Attachment: Theory, Research, and Clinical Implications (Paperback)

if you have time to muck through exhaustive dynamical systems theory and clinical research, this is the book for you! otherwise, i would look elsewhere for a readable comprehensive book with relevant information regarding attachment theory and disorder..