Patterns of Relating: An Adult Attachment Perspective [Hardcover]

West/Keller. (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0898626714 | ISBN-13: 978-0898626711 | Publication Date: April 8, 1994 | Edition: 1

The process of emotional attachment, a critical factor in infant and child development, is now recognized as an important component of satisfying adult relationships. Building on the research and theories of developmental psychologists, ethologists, and social scientists, this ground?breaking book describes the characteristics and role of attachment in the adult years and presents new perspectives for understanding and changing an adult's ability to form life?enhancing personal relationships. Chapters provide methods for applying ideas about adult attachments to social research and clinical intervention, defining attachment for adults with supporting research and clinical evidence, explicating the varieties of attachment patterns for adults, and for demonstrating the clinical and therapeutic relevance of these constructs. This book is aimed at developmental psychologists, clinicians, and social scientists in psychiatry, psychology, and related mental health disciplines. Also an appropriate text for theoretical and clinical courses in psychiatry, psychology, and social work.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This is a first rate addition to the rapidly growing literature on attachment in adult life. The authors anchor their concept of reciprocal attachment firmly in established theory then move it boldly forward with solid empirical and clinical investigations. Well referenced and highly readable." --K.S. Adam, M.D., McMaster University

"Adult attachment has become one of the more important areas of research and theory in psychology. It promises to be a significant point of intersection between clinical and research approaches and interests. West and Keller's book comes along at a most auspicious time. Bowlby believes that attachment is a central concern throughout one's life; West and Keller elucidate and develop Bowlby's claim in a fruitful and important direction. This book will be of great interest to anyone concerned with the very human need for significant attachments." --Morris Eagle, Ph.D., University of Toronto

"The authors have skillfully tackled the problem of defining and assessing adult attachment. Their approach is well grounded in the developmental attachment literature....A very original and creative extension of attachment theory to adult clinical populations." --Roger Kobak, Ph.D., University of Delaware

About the Author

Malcolm L. West, Ph.D., is Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Calgary.
Adrienne Sheldon-Keller, Ph.D., is Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Virginia.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 210 pages
• Publisher: Guilford Press; 1 edition (April 8, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0898626714
• ISBN-13: 978-0898626711
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #820,282 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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