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Summary: Fascinating insight into historical context of attachment
Review: Karen's book provides a detailed insight both into the development of John Bowlby's influential ideas about attachment, and into the pervasiveness of the Freudian concepts which were his starting point.Human service professionals and individuals with an interest in relationships will find this book worthwhile. Karen locates Bowlby and colleagues such as James Robertson and Mary Ainsworth in their historical context, and provides a fascinating account of the development of ideas which are now often taken for granted. He also identifies contrary voices, such as Stella Chess, who pioneered research into children's temperament. The major weakness of Karen's book is that inspite of his meticulous description of the development of attachment theory, he is unable to take an observer's stance in the later chapters of the book, and often appears to give Freudian theoretical constructs the status of fact. (eg oedipal desires). The later chapters lack the incisiveness and direction of the beginning half of the book. He also seems reluctant to look at research outside an attachment framework which could expand aspects of his argument, such as the body of research on resilience. In spite of these shortcomings, this is a enthralling volume which provided me with valuable insights into the origin of concepts which have become part of my 'practice furniture'.
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Summary: Required reading for anyone who works with children.
Review: The struggle to understand the parent-child bond touches us deeply because we intuitively sense that our first relationships hold many clues to how we've become who we are (Karen, 1994). I chose to do a report on this book because of the keen interest I have in children, their development, well-being and emotional life. Dr. Karen's book is a goldmine of insight, posing the age-old question ; How do we become who we are? Central to the answer is attachment theory, which, in the words of Dr. Karen, 'encompasses both the quality and strength of the parent-child bond, the ways in which it forms and develops, how it can be damaged and repaired, and the long-term impact of separations, losses, wounds, and deprivations. Beyond that, it is a theory of love and its central place in human life' ... I feel that I came across this book serendipitously as Dr. Karen's work has further added to my knowledge base, and my understanding by confirming opinions I have developed by watching people interact with children. After reading this book you will find yourself noticing certain behaviors on display that may have previously escaped your gaze. I can't stress how much this book as helped me as a special ed. teacher, parent, and as a counseling practitioner-to-be. I earnestly hope that I have the opportunity to share these insights with teachers, administrators, parents, and especially children as my career progresses.
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Summary: Totally changed the course of my research
Review: This book is a MUST have for anyone considering research in this area. Extremely well written, with a broad overview of many of the theories and their history. Anyone who wants to gain more familiarity of Bowlby/Ainsworth and similar theories should read this book! It not only changed the course of my research but also deeply impacted my parenting philosophy.
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Summary: Changed my Life
Review: This book was one of the VERY best I have read in the area of attachment. It is very well written and fairly easy to read. Karen's writing seemed to be speaking directly to me and for the first time I really understood why I have developed the way that I have. I highly recommend it even if you are not particularly interested in attachment theory - it is applicable in nearly every arena of life.
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Summary: One of my favorites on attachment
Review: When I loan a book to a friend, and the book is actively on loan for over a year as it passes from person to person, I know that the book is a winner. This book is scholarly, yet accessible, engaging though its use of narrative and biography, and highly informative. I would rate it higher than a five if I could!
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Summary: Excellent...full of humanity and scholarship
Review: When reading a book about psychology, I often find either scientific theories which are fascinating but somewhat abstracted from the immediacy of emotional functioning, or a weak series of short vignettes about others and their dilemmas. This book overcomes both problems. It treats the primary attachment of baby to mother with empathy and humanity, while citing the science and historical development of attachment theory. I felt as though I could relive my own early experiences through the book...it deeply touched both my heart and my intellect. If you want to understand the profound and precious nature of initial attachment, and perhaps gain an insight into yourself as well (not to mention your baby!), get this book.
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