ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the psychobiology of attachment systems and reviews studies of both animals and humans that begin to elaborate this aspect of the theory. It considers theories of how early experiences with a caregiver can influence fundamental aspects of neurobiological organization. Although there is an intriguing theoretical framework focusing on positive emotions, the chapter selectively considered conditions related to negative emotions, as these were considered to be more clearly related to attachment constructs and are more clearly supported by empirical evidence. The chapter uses data from animal and human studies to demonstrate preliminary support for the idea that different attachment behavioural patterns in humans would be associated with differences in physiological functioning, particularly in response to stress. Although the evidence is limited, it is consistent with Bowlby's view of the attachment behaviour system as an outer protective container of physiological responses.
