ABSTRACT
In recent years, John Bowlby’s (1969–1982) attachment theory has had a major impact on efforts to provide a framework within which to conceptualize, treat, and understand the etiology and transmission of some forms of risk for developmental maladaptation and psychopathology. This is a fitting legacy for a theorist whose professional life course was influenced by volunteer work at a school for maladjusted children while formulating his career goals (Bretherton, 1992). Despite his training as an analyst and Melanie Klein’s influence on his development, Bowlby held steadfastly to his belief in the importance of early family relationships for personality development. Although not as frequently recognized, he also emphasized the importance of societal support in fostering the bond between parent and child.
Just as children are absolutely dependent on their parents for sustenance, so in all but the most primitive communities, are parents, especially their mothers, dependent on a greater society for economic provision. If a community values its children it must cherish their parents [Bowlby, 1951, p. 84].
