The struggle to understand the parent-child bond ranks as one of the great quests of modern psychology, one that touches us deeply because it holds...
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reviews
Jan 21, 2011
Georgeanna
rated it: 
Still the best book on attachment theory for the lay reader, in my opinion. This should be required reading in every intro psych course, for all policy makers, family law attorneys and judges, and for anyone contemplating parenthood.
The book is, suprisingly, not dated, given it is more than 12 years old and given the pace of recent new knowledge in brain science. In fact, developments in neuroscience since this book came out have continued, for the most part, to substantiate Bowlby More...
The book is, suprisingly, not dated, given it is more than 12 years old and given the pace of recent new knowledge in brain science. In fact, developments in neuroscience since this book came out have continued, for the most part, to substantiate Bowlby More...
Feb 02, 2012
Amanda
rated it: 
I was pleasantly surprised at how readable Karen's writing style is. The book is essentially a slow walk through the history of attachment history, from the beginnings of the field through the early 90s. I appreciated Karen's care in pointing out the potentially racist, classist, and sexist pitfalls in the work and either acknowledges them or explains the intent.
After finishing the book, many of the specific studies and details are blurred but the key points are easy to articulate:
More...
After finishing the book, many of the specific studies and details are blurred but the key points are easy to articulate:
More...
Dec 19, 2008
Maria
rated it:
I really enjoyed this book and read it with fervour of a good novel. Taking us from the dark days when babies were thought to be mere blobs who had no thoughts or feelings. Psychology was purely behaviourist, a baby crying was considered a random act that if responded to would re-enforce the behaviour, resulting in a spoiled cry baby. These pernicious parenting ideas still exist today and they could not be further from the truth.
My heart wrenched with the stories of traumatised child More...
My heart wrenched with the stories of traumatised child More...
Jan 28, 2009
George
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Introduction and first chapter really grab you. I expect this to be a fascinating book!
I finally finished this incredible book filled with penetrating analysis of the early relationships that a child develops with his/her mother (father) and how those relationships (even in the first 10 days of life) influence ones psychological health in future years – in fact throughout ones entire life. Attachments are classified as either Secure or Anxious, with the latter having two subcategor More...
I finally finished this incredible book filled with penetrating analysis of the early relationships that a child develops with his/her mother (father) and how those relationships (even in the first 10 days of life) influence ones psychological health in future years – in fact throughout ones entire life. Attachments are classified as either Secure or Anxious, with the latter having two subcategor More...
Feb 02, 2011
Tania
rated it:
This book is absolutely fabulous. Everyone should read it before having children. Even if you have children, read it. It will break your heart, but it will enlighten you. Children are the most special of all beings and are to be treasured. Our relationships with them are so delicate, yet the strongest one may ever have. Seal the bond and create a strong attachment from the very beginning. It directly affects all future relationships.
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Jan 19, 2009
Katie
rated it:
Ok, this looks like just another silly psychobabble book, or a self-help book, but it is neither--it's a history of attachment theory, including all the crazy experiments psychologists used to do--fascinating stuff.
Aug 08, 2011
This is a great book if you are interested in very early relationships and the bonding that occurs during early childhood. It is also very insightful and helpful when reviewing your own childhood and motherhood.
Sep 04, 2007
Jill
rated it:
Only about half way through this one. Though it isn't exactly a fast read, I'm finding it well worth it. I wish I'd read it when my first child was born. I'm reading it now with the context of my ten years' worth of parenting two kids as well as my own childhood. I enjoy learning about the research and the politics behind developmental child psychology -- it gives a much deeper look that the average parenting book off the shelf.
While the author's style is not super dynamic, it is in More...
While the author's style is not super dynamic, it is in More...
May 12, 2009
The article I read called Becoming Attached by Karen was extremely useful for my work. The book is the expanded version of the article. I am looking forward to reading it.
May 02, 2011
Laurel
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I loved this book. It concisely reviewed the history of attachment theory and applied it to current relationships.
Mar 29, 2009
Julie
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Extremely interesting non-fiction read on how attachment/bonds are formed between human beings from birth
Aug 10, 2011
Makes a huge amount of sense. It explains a lot. I'll look forward to reading this again someday.
Jan 29, 2008
Sasha
rated it:
This book is an excellent review of the chronology of the development of attachment theory, covering all of the largest contributors. I was fascinated to read about the politics and controversy involved and the various research studies. The book was written over 16 years ago and leaves you wanting to find out what has been discovered in that time. I would think this book is a little too advanced for non-professional mental health readers. It was an enjoyable read and gave me much food for th
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Dec 17, 2010
Letha
rated it:
I'm about half way through this book and am totally fascinated by all aspects of the experience. Karen is doing a fantastic job of making the densely layered history and varied characters that have contributed to the evolution of attachment theory both assessable and interesting. I am deeply engaged with this book.. Very impressed...high praises.
Apr 11, 2011
Greg
rated it:
You actually cannot find a bad review of this book on GoodReads. While it may start to drag on a bit for a casual reader, it's only because Karen seems so comprehensive in his review of attachment theory. If you are interested in parenting or the ways child development can affect personality, this is a great place to start.
Jul 07, 2010
Amy
rated it:
This book very much opened my eyes to why I'm the way I am. My therapist recommended it to me, and it was very helpful to read about others and what I can do to not let my detachment affect my relationships. It also freaked me out and made me not want to ever have kids because of all the pressures to not have a detached kiddo!
Oct 22, 2007
Kristin
rated it:
I'm reading this book with my Director and fellow therapists. I think this book offers incredible insight to the development of human beings, how we form attachments in relationships and skills in parenting. I'm about 1/2 way through and have already gained so much insight.
Nov 27, 2007
paris
rated it:
if you've ever been cold to someone you love... you might be insecurely attached.
if you are thinking that it's good to let a babe "cry it out," you're wrong. go to those who need you.
be open and receptive when people respond to you.
THAT'S THE TRICK!
if you are thinking that it's good to let a babe "cry it out," you're wrong. go to those who need you.
be open and receptive when people respond to you.
THAT'S THE TRICK!
Apr 08, 2008
Amy
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I did not completely read this whole book, but used it as a reference for my own growing psychology library. It has some great points and portions. I know I will continue to revisit it in my practice.
Jun 26, 2008
Matt
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A wonderful overview of the history of attachment theory. Wow, it took a long uphill struggle to get psychiatry to believe that we actually need to be loved.
Feb 09, 2008
Lindapiovesan
rated it:
I learned alot about attachment theory and history of it. It's helped me have compassion for myself and others. It's important to know about this stuff!
Jun 04, 2011
Chao
rated it:
Pros:
It allows me, a greenhorn, to have an idea of attachment theory of some depth and breadth.
Cons:
I find it too thick (448 pages).
It allows me, a greenhorn, to have an idea of attachment theory of some depth and breadth.
Cons:
I find it too thick (448 pages).
Mar 28, 2009
so far a great history of attachment theories... (started but haven't finished yet)... really think it is worth the read!
Dec 17, 2009
Gaileh
rated it:
About half way through this, don't know if I'll finish. Gave me a good overview of attachment theory though.
