John Bowlby – From Psychoanalysis to Ethology – Unravelling the Roots of Attachment Theory

This accessible book draws on unique evidence from oral histories and little-known archive material to shed new light on the working relationships which led to John Bowlby's shift from psychoanalysis to ethology as a frame of reference - and ultimately to the development of attachment theory.* A unique exploration of the origins of Bowlby's ideas and the critical transformation in his thinking - offers an alternative to standard accounts of the origin of attachment theory* Explores the significance of Bowlby's influential working relationships with Robert Hinde, Harry Harlow, James Robertson and Mary Ainsworth* Provides students, academics, and practitioners with clear insights into the development of attachment theory* Accessible to general readers interested in psychology and psychoanalysis

Table of Contents:
About the Author. Foreword ( Professor Jerome Kagan ). Acknowledgments. Introduction. 1 Biographical Notes and Early Career. 2 Loneliness in Infancy: The WHO Report and Issues of Separation. 3 Working with James Robertson: The Importance of Observation. 4 Bowlby's Acquaintance with Ethology: The Work of Lorenz, Tinbergen, and Hinde. 5 From Theoretical Claims to Empirical Evidence: Harry Harlow and the Nature of Love. 6 Mary Ainsworth's Role in the Study of Attachment. Conclusions. References. Name Index. Subject Index.

About the Author :
Frank C. P. van der Horst is a psychologist at De Waag Rotterdam, an outpatient clinic for forensic psychiatry, and a researcher at the Centre for Child and Family Studies, Leiden University. His research aims at describing the history of ideas in the behavioural sciences, such as the ideas and work of John Bowlby, Rene Spitz, William Goldfarb, Jean Piaget, and Harry Harlow.

Review :
"Overall, this book, although somewhat cost-prohibitive, does a very good job of helping to contextualize the development of attachment theory and would be useful reading for both clinicians and researchers at all levels of understanding regarding attachment theory. I agree with Jerome Kagan that this is a "coherent, gracefully written, even-handed, and richly detailed description." ( Journal of Marital and Family Therapy , 1 October 2012) "Nonetheless, for those interested in the history of psychology, and attachment theory in particular, I recommend John Bowlby: From Psychoanalysis to Ethology for what it tells us about the origins of attachment and John Bowlby's courageous forging of attachment theory." ( PsycCRITIQUES , 2 May 2012) "... (this book)does a very good job of helping to contextualize the development of attachment theory and would be useful reading for both clinicians and researchers at all levels of understanding regarding attachment theory. I agree with Jerome Kagan that this is a "coherent, gracefully written, even-handed, and richly detailed description"." (Journal Marital and Family Therapy, October 2011)