ABSTRACT
Attachment theory has been one of the most useful contemporary conceptual frameworks for understanding emotion regulation, interpersonal behavior, and social functioning. In his exposition of the theory, John Bowlby (1973, 1982) explained why the availability of caring, supportive relationship partners, beginning in infancy, is so important to developing a sense of safety and security. This sense fosters positive mental representations of others, facilitates the development of trust towards others, promotes more harmonious and satisfactory interpersonal interactions and exchanges, and sustains relational well-being. In this chapter, we briefly review basic concepts of attachment theory, focusing on the “broaden and build” cycle of attachment security (Mikulincer & Shaver, 2003), and the growth-enhancing consequences of secure attachments. We then review and assess empirical findings concerning the ways in which attachment theory is being applied in the fields of psychotherapy, education, health and medicine, and leadership and management.
