Growing points in attachment disorganization: looking back to advance forward

Abstract

In this special issue paper we reflect on the next generation of attachment research with a focus on disorganization, a central but still poorly understood topic in this area. We suggest that progress will be facilitated by a return to attachment theory's evolutionary roots, and to the emphasis on biological function that inspired Bowlby's original thinking. Increased interdisciplinary crossfertilization and collaborations would enable novel and generative research on some of the longstanding questions surrounding attachment disorganization. Accordingly, we present an agenda for future research that encompasses contributions of modern ethology and neurobiology, novel hypotheses based on the concept of adaptive decanalization, connections with neurodevelopmental vulnerability and risk for mental disorders such as schizophrenia, and the possibility of sex differences in the behavioral manifestations of attachment disorganization. We believe that these avenues of theory and research offer exciting potential for innovative work in attachment disorganization in the years ahead.

Evolutionary Perspectives on Neurodevelopmental Disorders

“…The resemblance between some aspects of infant attachment disorganisation and behaviours typically found in neurodevelopmental disorders (such as freezing, atypical postures and behavioural stereotypies) was recognised by Main in her analysis of attachment styles in children diagnosed with autism (as discussed by Haltigan et al, 2021). There are now codified procedures to Box 15.2 Case vignette 1 Ethan (10) is placed with his grandparents under a special guardianship order as his mother is unable to look after him due to her dependence on drugs.…”

“…address this overlap, which are used when examining individuals with established neurodevelopmental disorders or who are at a high risk of these (Haltigan et al, 2021). Autism exists on a spectrumhence the increasing use of the term ASD.…”