ABSTRACT
From the start, attachment theory has always been a cross-cultural theory, a theory concerned with human welfare, a theory with direct clinical relevance, a theory rooted in biology and a theory capable of empirical test. This set of characteristics makes it virtually unique among psychological theories and likely is responsible for its great and increasing popularity. In modern times, in a shrinking world, we are aware of the need to take into account contextual influences on behavior, including culture, even as we attempt to create theory and practices of clinical utility. At the same time, it is not possible to overlook the extent of human psychological suffering and the ubiquity of trauma and hardship faced by children and adults. Human needs must be attended. Finally, there is an acute need for practices that both deal in a real way with the psychological substance of disturbance and yet are “evidenced based.” Attachment theory promises all of this, and it has done so from the beginning.
