ABSTRACT

In this chapter we (a) explain the core construct in Bowlby’s (1969/1982, 1973, 1980) attachment theory, behavioral system; (b) describe how the construct has been used in the empirical literature on adult attachment style (the pattern of relational expectations, emotions, and behavior resulting from a particular history of attachment experiences, perhaps interacting with innate temperament and other social experiences; Fraley & Shaver, 2000; Shaver & Mikulincer, 2002); and (c) assess the usefulness of attachment theory and research for creating bridges between social psychology and other disciplines. Originally, Bowlby’s attachment theory was itself the result of creating bridges between psychoanalysis, community psychiatry, ethology, and cognitive and developmental psychology. Bowlby’s creativity, conceptual breadth, and open-mindedness encouraged Shaver, Hazan, and Bradshaw (1988) to extend the theory into the realm of adult romantic love, thereby creating a bridge between attachment theory and the social psychology of relationships.