Advances in Attachment Processes in Adolescence and Adulthood: Contexts and Developmental Trajectories at Risk

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, attachment theory, which was originally formulated to explain infant-parent emotional bonding, has been applied to the study of psychological processes also in adolescence and adulthood. Attachment theory predicts that attachment styles developed in previous relational experiences affect interpersonal functioning, emotion regulation and mentalization, the way people cope with stressful events and, consequently, their mental health.

In this frame, secure attachment can be considered a protective factor: interactions with available and supportive caregivers impart a sense of safety, trigger positive emotions and provide psychological resources for dealing with problems and adversities, increasing resilience and improving mental health. On the opposite side, interactions with insensitive, inconsistent or frightening attachment figures reduce resilience in coping with stressful life events, predisposing a person to breaking down psychologically in times of crisis. Thus, they are risk factors for mental disorders.

Today, this complex and constantly evolving theoretical paradigm allows describing, throughout the life cycle, not only the typical trajectories of development, but also atypical trajectories and the effects of attachment discontinuity and disorders.

The objective of this Special Issue is, therefore, to deepen the knowledge of attachment development processes, considering in particular the atypical developmental trajectories of attachment during adolescence and adulthood, characterized by contexts at risk and/or by critical paranormative events.

Possible areas of interest for this Special Issue comprise but are not limited to:

• Maltreatment and abuse
• Psychopathology and behavioral problems in adolescence and adulthood
• Institutionalization
• Traumatic experiences
• Suicidal risk
• Relational violence
• Criminal careers
• Adoption and foster care
• Parenting in risky contexts
• Addiction issues

Dr. Laura E. Prino
Dr. Angelica Arace
Prof. Dr. Avi Besser
Guest Editors

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