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Cited by 1,708Psychoanalysis and Psychopathology ResearchChild and Animal Learning DevelopmentAttachment and Relationship Dynamics

Attachment and reflective function: Their role in self-organization

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FONAGY, PETER, TARGET, MARY·1997·Development and Psychopathology
DOI 10.1017/s0954579497001399
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Abstract

The paper traces the relationship between attachment processes and the development of the capacity to envision mental states in self and others. We suggest that the ability to mentalize, to represent behavior in terms of mental states, or to have “a theory of mind” is a key determinant of self-organization which is acquired in the context of the child's early social relationships. Evidence for an association between the quality of attachment relationship and reflective function in the parent and the child is reviewed and interpreted in the context of current models of theory of mind development. A model of the development of self-organization is proposed which has at its core the caregiver's ability to communicate understanding of the child's intentional stance. The implications of the model for pathological self-development are explored, with specific reference to the consequences of maltreatment.

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Authors
FONAGY, P., & TARGET, M.
Affiliations
University College London (GB)
ORCID
FONAGY, PETER
Venue
Development and Psychopathology
Publisher
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Published
1997-12
Volume
9
Issue
4
Pages
679-700
ISSN
  • 0954-5794 (ISSN-L)
  • 1469-2198
DOI
10.1017/s0954579497001399
OpenAlex
W2121454967
Cited by
1,708
References
41
Citations by year
2026: 76 · 2025: 61 · 2024: 69 · 2023: 70 · 2022: 105 · 2021: 90 · 2020: 77 · 2019: 85 · 2018: 93 · 2017: 98 · 2016: 115 · 2015: 86 · 2014: 101 · 2013: 71 · 2012: 60
FWCI
16.34
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
www.cambridge.org/core/terms (unspecified)
Locations
  • Development and Psychopathology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • UCL Discovery (University College London) (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychoanalysis and Psychopathology Research
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Child and Animal Learning Development
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Attachment and Relationship Dynamics
Keywords
attachment, reflective functioning, self-organization, mentalization, theory of mind, parent-child relationship, child development, child abuse
MeSH terms
Adult, Aggression, Attention, Child, Child Development, Female, Frustration, Humans, Internal-External Control, Male, Models, Psychological, Motivation, Object Attachment, Parent-Child Relations, Temperament

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