SW 535 Attachments Across the Life Cycle
Attachment Theory is an interactive and cross-cultural model that takes into account the interplay between internal experience and the emotional-cultural surround. It provides an empirical base for our understanding of human development, motivation, and behavior across the life cycle. Early relationships are the matrix within which culture, self, and world outlook are initially fashioned. The skills and modes of communication acquired through important relationships have a profound effect upon the adults enduring sense of agency and meaningful engagement with the world. The course will explore cutting edge research and clinical data generated by Attachment Theory. Topics include the earliest infant-caregiver relationship, the development of intersubjectivity, affect regulation, the roots of the narrative structure and their impact upon adult narrative and adult attachment types. This class will consist of a theoretical section followed by application of concepts to student cases.