Bowlby presents a historical narrative of the development of attachment theory, detailing the clinical observations and empirical studies that led to the recognition of the psychological harm caused by early maternal deprivation. He discusses the theoretical shifts that attachment theory introduced into developmental psychology and psychiatry, especially its challenge to orthodox psychoanalytic and behaviorist approaches. This article also explores directions for future research, emphasizing the importance of early relationships in shaping later emotional health and behavioral outcomes. Bowlby outlines how early findings of emotional distress and disorganization following separation contributed to a broader understanding of internal working models and attachment behavior systems.
From ProQuest – read Bowlby’s book at Internet Archive