Cited by 1,601Attachment and Relationship DynamicsFamily Dynamics and RelationshipsEvolutionary Psychology and Human Behavior

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Adult Romantic Attachment: Theoretical Developments, Emerging Controversies, and Unanswered Questions

Fraley, R. Chris, Shaver, Phillip R.·2000·Review of General Psychology

DOI 10.1037/1089-2680.4.2.132

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Abstract

The authors review the theory of romantic, or pair-bond, attachment as it was originally formulated by C. Hazan and P. R. Shaver in 1987 and describe how it has evolved over more than a decade. In addition, they discuss 5 issues related to the theory that need further clarification: (a) the nature of attachment relationships, (b) the evolution and function of attachment in adulthood, (c) models of individual differences in attachment, (d) continuity and change in attachment security, and (e) the integration of attachment, sex, and caregiving. In discussing these issues, they provide leads for future research and outline a more complete theory of romantic attachment.

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Authors: Fraley, R. C., & Shaver, P. R.
Affiliations: University of California, Davis (US)
ORCID: Fraley, R. Chris
Shaver, Phillip R.
Venue: Review of General Psychology
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Published: 2000-06
Volume: 4
Issue: 2
Pages: 132-154
ISSN: 1089-2680 (ISSN-L)
1939-1552
DOI: 10.1037/1089-2680.4.2.132
OpenAlex: W2142842143
Cited by: 1,601
References: 138
Citations by year: 2026: 46 · 2025: 74 · 2024: 76 · 2023: 84 · 2022: 118 · 2021: 68 · 2020: 83 · 2019: 80 · 2018: 69 · 2017: 83 · 2016: 91 · 2015: 80 · 2014: 82 · 2013: 89 · 2012: 70
FWCI: 20.81
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Licence: journals.sagepub.com/page/policies/text-and-data-mining-license (tdm)
Locations: Review of General Psychology (publishedVersion)
Topics: Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Attachment and Relationship Dynamics
Social Sciences › Demography › Family Dynamics and Relationships
Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Evolutionary Psychology and Human Behavior
Keywords: romantic attachment, attachment theory, adult attachment, attachment security, caregiving

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Adult Romantic Attachment: Theoretical Developments, Emerging Controversies, and Unanswered Questions

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