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Emotional availability: critical questions and research horizons
1University of Colorado School of Medicine, Colorado School of Public Health, Centers for American Indian and Alaska Native Health, Mail Stop F800, 13055 East 17th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045, USA. bob.emde@ucdenver.edu
Development and Psychopathology
|February 2, 2012
Summary
Emotional availability, extending beyond attachment theory, is explored through its clinical and research origins. Future research directions include developmental variations, biological factors, and applications in psychopathology and clinical training.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Attachment theory provides a foundation for understanding emotional availability.
- Emotional availability extends beyond traditional attachment concepts.
- Clinical experience and emotions research inform its origins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the construct of emotional availability and its assessment.
- To explore its origins in clinical and emotions research.
- To identify prospects for advancing knowledge in this area.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research.
- Discussion of clinical observations and theoretical frameworks.
- Analysis of contributions within a special section.
Main Results:
- Emotional availability is a construct that significantly expands upon attachment theory.
- Prospects for advancing knowledge are high, particularly in developmental variations and biological underpinnings.
- The Special Section highlights key areas for future research.
Conclusions:
- Further research is needed on developmental variations and biological factors of emotional availability.
- Significant opportunities exist for research in psychopathology, clinical interventions, and training.
- Emotional availability is a critical area for continued scientific inquiry and practical application.
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