Handbook of Attachment

“The latest edition of the Handbook of Attachment…will be very useful to those who research attachment processes, use attachment theory in their clinical work, or teach courses on attachment….Collectively, the chapters provide ready access to what John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth said and did, what researchers have revealed about their theory, how the measurement of attachment has evolved over time, and how attachment theory informs understanding of relationships, personality, and psychopathology. Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty and professionals.”

—Choice Reviews


“This edition is considered the bible of the attachment field, just as the previous two editions were….This third edition is necessary for anybody interested in the attachment field. With the exponential development in the field, this is the place where the updates are synthesized and organized to be easily accessible.”

—Doody's Review Service


“Has tremendous relevance for clinicians who are interested in the biological, cognitive, and emotional underpinnings of interpersonal relationships, psychopathology, the process of therapy with different clients, and therapeutic change...[and] who wish to understand theory and empirical research relevant to client conceptualization and treatment.”

—Behavior Therapist (on the second edition)


“A comprehensive and scholarly review of a critically important issue in developmentattachment....This well-edited volume includes high-quality contributions from leading theorists and researchers in psychology, psychiatry, and child development....The Handbook of Attachment really is a 'must' reference for anyone seriously interested in attachment theory and its role in development across the life span....Practitioners who use attachment theory in their clinical work will find it enlightening.”

—Journal of Clinical Psychiatry (on the first edition)


“This is an impressive, comprehensive volume which explores a wide range of attachment topics. It should be considered an essential reference book for mental health practitioners who provide treatment to people of all ages.”

—Psychoanalytic Social Work (on the first edition)


“This third edition of Cassidy and Shaver's Handbook will be an instant classic, like prior editions. The contributors are a 'who's who' in the field. The chapter coverage is exhaustive and timely in its treatment of long-standing and emerging issues in attachment theory and research, such as measurement, biological influences, interventions, and special populations. I use this handbook as the main text in a doctoral seminar on attachment theory and research taken by students in counseling, education, and psychology. Students have found the volume incredibly useful and comment on how it will remain on their shelves. A 'must have' for the researcher or clinician interested in attachment processes across the lifespan.”

—Richard Lanthier, PhD, Graduate School of Education and Human Development, George Washington University


“Impressive. The list of authors in the third edition includes nearly all of the ongoing major contributors to the attachment literature. Chapters provide important updates, theoretical perspectives, and nuanced discussion. The breadth and depth of the content are stunning. This handbook is required reading for anyone who wants information regarding the current status of attachment theory and research, including students, researchers, and professionals interested in a broad array of topics.”

—Nancy Eisenberg, PhD, Regents' Professor of Psychology, Arizona State University


“The Handbook of Attachment reflects the kind of artful integration of behavior, emotion, and cognition that John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth hoped to set in train. I am particularly impressed by the work the editors and contributors to the third edition have devoted to updating, revising, and even reconceptualizing their chapters to keep up with this flourishing field. The third edition is more than just a great help for scholarship and teaching—it is indispensable.”

—Everett Waters, PhD, Department of Psychology (Emeritus), Stony Brook University


“The Handbook of Attachment, Third Edition, was a superb choice for my advanced undergraduate and graduate seminar. Like the prior editions, the Handbook provides up-to-date coverage of the major topics in the field, as well as exciting explorations of emerging issues. For students who may not yet have a full grasp of the field, the book offers a strong foundation in attachment theory and methodological and clinical implications from which they can start to formulate their own sub-interests. The chapters are written simply enough to make them accessible to upper-level undergraduates, yet also provide sophisticated depth for a more advanced audience. Even after the course, I have heard from students that they frequently consult and reference the Handbook and appreciate having it as an important part of their libraries.”

—Jennifer C. Ablow, PhD, Department of Psychology, University of Oregon