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The attachment research team examines a variety of faculty and student interests that are linked by attachment theory (Bowlby, 1988). The team concentrates on the integration of theory, research, and practice, and uses attachment theory to generate hypotheses for research and, theoretically, to make sense of intense emotional, seemingly irrational feelings and behavior across different situations and contexts. Generally speaking, attachment theory (Bowlby,
1988) incorporates two complementary bonding systems: attachment and
caregiving. Attachment refers to the tendency to maintain proximity or
closeness to specific, emotionally important others who are sources of
protection and of a sense of security. Caregiving refers to providing
protection; anchoring and guiding exploratory behavior (e.g., work,
problem-solving), as needed; and providing soothing and comforting to
specific, emotionally important others. Both attachment and caregiving
are relevant to emotionally important relationships, including parental,
romantic, therapeutic, and supervisory, that function as a “secure base”
and help individuals achieve desired outcomes (e.g., adjusting to a new
environment).
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