Reviews literature relating to naturalistic and laboratory studies of primates, human bonding, family systems theory, psychoanalytic notions of multiple inner representations, and pathological parenting in child abuse and neglect. Attempts to understand uniqueness of parent-child attachments and unique grief experienced at death of child. Proposes…

Explores possible relationships between adult attachment and violence among intimates. Describes insecure attachment patterns (Avoidant and Anxious/ambivalent), relating each to specific manifestations of courtship violence in dyadic interaction. Sees concepts contributing to understanding of courtship violence as exaggerated form of behavior…

Reviewed in this article is research on children with reactive attachment disorder (RAD) who exhibit specific patterns of socially aberrant behavior resulting from being maltreated or having limited opportunities to form selective attachments. There are no data explaining why 2 different patterns of the disorder, an emotionally withdrawn-inhibited…

The goal of this commentary is to focus attention on the various protective factors examined by the four studies of this special issue, in order to predict resilient functioning. These factors include internal factors (cognitive information processing, affective information processing-the attachment-proximity conceptualization) as well as external…

Discusses reasons for the lack of attention to cross-sex friendships, and delineates the significance of these close relationships as a focus of analysis for social scientists interested in personal relationships. Explores the nature of cross-sex friendships through a conceptualization of the major relationship challenges that cross-sex friends…

Explains attachment theory and posits that, if proper bonding and subsequent attachment, usually between mother and child, does not occur, the child develops mistrust and deep-seated rage. Presents evidence of the problem of attachment disorders, lists symptoms of unattached children, examines treatment of attachment disorders, and discusses…

Notes that interest in attachment theory among counselors and researchers has led to development of measures of attachment-related constructs. Presents overview of theoretical foundations of attachment theory as conceptualized by Ainsworth (1989) and Bowlby (1988). Reviews four self-report measures of adolescent and adult attachment. Discusses…

The phenomena of fusion within a lesbian relationship is described in a six-phased model. Fusion in relationships is defined as two incomplete people coming together in an attempt to make one more complete whole, the merging of two ego boundaries. The six phases discussed include ecstacy, getting married, the routine, depression/withdrawal,…

Attachment theory provides useful conceptual framework for understanding familial antecedents and long-term consequences of sexual abuse. Themes associated with insecure parent-child attachment (rejection, role reversal/parentification, and fear/unresolved trauma) are frequently found in dynamics of families characterized by sexual abuse, and…

Applies two-axis model of human development to problem of suicide trajectory, in which organism begins each stage at negative or dystonic position in reaction to stage-initiating life event and must move ahead vertically to achieve positive syntonic quality and attain stage-specific syntonic equilibrium. Provides clinician with developmental guide…

Considers Blos' conceptualization of adolescence as the stage when a second process of separation-individuation takes place. Notes various handicapping conditions may force adolescent to stay closer to family and hence interfere with adolescent's separation-individuation. Suggests that nature of interference will vary depending on whether the…

Discusses how attachment theory can be useful strategy for producing therapeutic change and more productive client functioning. Addresses basic attachment theory concepts and parallels between counseling and attachment. Provides case example to focus, integrate, and elaborate elements presented. (Author)

Parent-child attachment has been extensively confirmed as a central contributing factor to children's positive developmental outcomes. Theory and research imply that the non-parental caregiver is an important figure that may assist parents in the development of a secure attachment relationship with their infants. Specific practices that increase…

Reviews recent research showing that child and parent, or caregiver and care receiver in nonfamilial, group settings, need each other reciprocally and need to find mutual fit. Focuses on stress laid on importance of dependence support, attachment behavior, and mutuality of caregiver and care receiver. Discusses effect of day care and significance…

A description of infant capabilities and review of perinatal intervention programs are used to clarify the relationship between enhancing parent-infant interactions and preventing child abuse and neglect. Research data demonstrating the efficacy of the programs are reviewed and suggestions offered for the practical application of the programs.…