The Interface between Attachment and Intersubjectivity: Perspectives from a Study on Disorganized Attachment.

Area of Science:

• Developmental Psychology
• Evolutionary Psychology
• Psychotherapy

Background:

• Attachment theory emphasizes continuity with primate behavior.
• Intersubjectivity research highlights human discontinuity from primates.
• Both fields offer insights into shared mental states.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the interface between attachment and intersubjectivity in infant development.
• To reframe attachment theory using insights from intersubjectivity research.
• To investigate the role of early dialogue in later psychological symptoms.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of attachment and intersubjectivity research.
• Analysis of longitudinal data on mother-infant interaction.
• Discussion of theoretical implications for developmental and evolutionary change.

Main Results:

• Intersubjectivity research challenges traditional views of human evolution.
• Attachment research can inform the understanding of joint attention and shared mental states.
• Deviance in early mother-infant dialogue is linked to borderline and dissociative symptoms.

Conclusions:

• Collaborative communication is central to evolutionary and developmental change.
• Attachment and intersubjectivity research converge on the importance of shared experiences.
• Fostering collaborative communication may be crucial for psychotherapeutic outcomes.