Attachment theory is a fundamental concept in psychology and relationships. It explores how our early experiences with caregivers shape our patterns of behavior and emotional bonds throughout life. If you're interested in delving into attachment theory or seeking to deepen your understanding of it, these 10 books are essential reads. In this post, we'll introduce each book and explain who should read them, helping you choose the ones that best suit your needs.
Our list:
Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find - and Keep - Love
The Power of Attachment: How to Create Deep and Lasting Intimate Relationships
Anxiously Attached: Becoming More Secure in Life and Love
Raising a Secure Child: How Circle of Security Parenting Can Help You Nurture Your Child's Attachment, Emotional Resilience, and Freedom to Explore
The Attachment Theory Workbook: Powerful Tools to Promote Understanding, Increase Stability, and Build Lasting Relationships
Wired for Love: How Understanding Your Partner's Brain and Attachment Style Can Help You Defuse Conflict and Build a Secure Relationship
A Secure Base: Clinical Applications of Attachment Theory (Routledge Classics)
Attachment Theory in Practice: Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) with Individuals, Couples, and Families
Attachment Theory: A Guide to Strengthening the Relationships in Your Life
Attachment: Attachment and Loss Volume One (Basic Books Classics)
1. Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find - and Keep - Love by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller
Length: 304 pages
Average Rating: 4.7 (Over 18,000 reviews)
Publication year - 2019
Who Should Read It? This book is a must-read for anyone interested in attachment theory. Whether you're single, dating, or in a relationship, it offers valuable insights into adult attachment styles and how they affect your love life.
2. The Power of Attachment: How to Create Deep and Lasting Intimate Relationships by Diane Poole Heller Ph.D. (Foreword by Peter Levine Ph.D.)
Length: 224 pages
Average Rating: 4.7 (Approximately 650 reviews)
Publication year - 2020
Who Should Read It? If you're looking for a comprehensive introduction to attachment theory and its application in building strong relationships, this book is a general guide suitable for everyone interested in the topic. If you want to learn about how your attachment wounds affect your romantic relationships, and how to foster healthy relationships and intimacy in your adult relationships, this is the book for you.
3. Anxiously Attached: Becoming More Secure in Life and Love by Jessica Baum
Length: 304 pages
Average Rating: 4.8 (Around 450 reviews)
Publication year - 2022
Who Should Read It? This book is ideal for those who have already read "Attached" or learned about the topic, and want to delve deeper into understanding and overcoming anxious attachment style, dealing with avoidant attachment persons and insecure attachment in general.
4. Raising a Secure Child: How Circle of Security Parenting Can Help You Nurture Your Child's Attachment, Emotional Resilience, and Freedom to Explore by Kent Hoffman, Glen Cooper, Bert Powell (Foreword by Daniel J. Siegel, Contributor Christine M. Benton)
Length: 280 pages
Average Rating: 4.7 (Approximately 650 reviews)
Publication year - 2017
Who Should Read It? Parents and caregivers seeking to understand how attachment theory applies to parenting, will find this book invaluable in fostering a secure attachment style in their children.
5. The Attachment Theory Workbook: Powerful Tools to Promote Understanding, Increase Stability, and Build Lasting Relationships by Annie Chen LMFT
Length: 194 pages
Average Rating: 4.6 (Around 2,650 reviews)
Publication year - 2019
Who Should Read It? This unique self-help book is a practical choice for individuals and couples looking for tools and exercises to enhance their understanding of attachment and improve their relationships.
6. Wired for Love: How Understanding Your Partner's Brain and Attachment Style Can Help You Defuse Conflict and Build a Secure Relationship by Stan Tatkin (Foreword by Harville Hendrix)
Length: 201 pages
Average Rating: 4.6 (Over 2,000 reviews)
Publication year - 2012
Who Should Read It? Couples seeking to strengthen their bonds and resolve conflicts will benefit from the insights and strategies offered in this book.
7. A Secure Base: Clinical Applications of Attachment Theory (Routledge Classics) by John Bowlby (Preface by Jeremy Holmes)
Length: 204 pages
Average Rating: 4.6 (Approximately 250 reviews)
Publication year - 1998
Who Should Read It? This book is a deeper dive into attachment theory's origins and clinical applications, making it a valuable resource for psychologists and professionals in the field who want to read bowlby's original ideas from the source.
8. Attachment Theory in Practice: Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) with Individuals, Couples, and Families by Susan M. Johnson
Length: 278 pages
Average Rating: 4.7 (About 700 reviews)
Publication year - 2019
Who Should Read It? Therapists and counselors interested in applying attachment theory in their practice will find Susan M. Johnson's EFT method really valuable.
9. Attachment Theory: A Guide to Strengthening the Relationships in Your Life by Thais Gibson
Length: 180 pages
Average Rating: 4.6 (Around 750 reviews)
Publication year - 2020
Who Should Read It? This book provides a basic understanding of attachment theory, making it suitable for anyone looking for a clear and concise introduction.
10. Attachment: Attachment and Loss Volume One (Basic Books Classics) by John Bowlby
Length: 436 pages
Average Rating: 4.7 (Approximately 250 reviews)
Publication year - 1983
Who Should Read It? Psychologists and researchers interested in the foundational work of John Bowlby, the originator of attachment theory, will find this book highly relevant to their studies.
Our recommendation
For beginners exploring attachment theory, I highly recommend diving into two essential books: "Attached" and "The Power of Attachment". These books are an absolute must-read for anyone interested in delving into this captivating theory. Don't miss out on the valuable insights they offer!
If you find yourself identifying as anxiously attached, I strongly recommend picking up "Anxiously Attached". This book is tailored to provide you with valuable insights and guidance to help you navigate your attachment style effectively.
For those aspiring to become psychologists or therapists and seeking to understand the roots of attachment theory, I suggest delving into the works of John Bowlby and Susan Johnson. It's worth noting that the language in these books may not be the easiest to grasp, and some of the content may feel a bit dated. However, persevering through these texts will provide you with a deep and foundational understanding of attachment theory, making them essential reads for anyone on the path to a career in psychology or therapy.
Related posts:
Enjoy!
