Attachment within life history theory: an evolutionary perspective on individual differences in attachment

Ohad Szepsenwol, Jeffry A. Simpson

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

60 Scopus citations

Abstract

In this article, we discuss theory and research on how individual differences in adult attachment mediate the adaptive calibration of reproductive strategies, cognitive schemas, and emotional expression and regulation. We first present an integration of attachment theory and life history theory. Then, we discuss how early harsh and/or unpredictable environments may promote insecure attachment by hampering parents’ ability to provide sensitive and reliable care to their children. Finally, we discuss how, in the context of harsh and/or unpredictable environments, different types of insecure attachment (i.e. anxiety and avoidance) may promote evolutionary adaptive reproductive strategies, cognitive schemas, and emotional expression and regulation profiles.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)65-70
Number of pages6
JournalCurrent Opinion in Psychology
Volume25
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2019

PubMed: MeSH publication types

  • Journal Article
  • Review

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