Attachment theory and its vicissitudes: Toward an updated theory

Abstract

This paper attempts first steps toward reworking Bowlby’s attachment theory and formulating an updated version. The paper examines 11 tenets of attachment theory as it was originally proposed by Bowlby and colleagues. These tenets are discussed in terms both of historical and recent criticisms, and of relevant research. Reasons are given for why the discussion omits work involving animal models or focused on measurement issues. In conclusion, the tenets are assigned to four categories: ideas that have received little criticism; ideas that have been criticized but are generally accepted, although they need to take new research evidence into account; ideas that have been rejected or questioned more than they have been accepted; and ideas that have been rejected or extensively reinterpreted.