The Attachment Nest - Interdisciplinary Understanding of Attachment and Human Development Across the Spectrum

Overview

This summer school course provides students with an integrative and inclusive exploration of human attachment development and its multifaceted role across various settings. Renowned scholars from diverse international backgrounds will present insights gleaned from theoretical, experimental, and clinical perspectives, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the profound impact of early caregiving experiences on individuals' socioemotional and cognitive development throughout the lifespan. Rooted in the seminal attachment theory by Bowlby (1969), the course will present the scientific endeavours of researchers from different disciplines aimed at unravelling the intricate neurobiological, cognitive and social mechanisms shaping human development. The attachment theory posits that infants construct internal working models (IWMs; Pietromonaco & Barrett, 2000), which act as rudimentary cognitive templates for future interactions, shaping expectations about the self, others, and relationships. We will trace the development and the expansion of the theory across different disciplines and learn about its applications in understanding typical and atypical development, in a cross-cultural framework. The course unfolds through three interwoven quests:1) Attachment Formation and Development: Delve into the contextual nuances of attachment within the realms of parenting and dyadic/triadic interactions.2) Cross-Cultural Considerations and Assessment: Explore the assessment of attachment at different developmental stages and across diverse cultures, emphasizing the cross-cultural validity of the theory.

3) Implications and Applications of Attachment Theory: Investigate attachment-based interventions, particularly for individuals with intellectual disabilities, and explore the integration of technology to support implementation and delivery.

Learning Objectives:

• Comprehensive Understanding: Develop an in-depth understanding of how attachment forms and its pivotal role in subsequent socioemotional and cognitive development through theoretical and empirical insights.
• Assessment Competence: Develop an in-depth understanding of diverse assessment instruments for attachment from infancy to adulthood, fostering informed decision-making.
• Caregiving in the Context of Disability: Explore caregiving dynamics within the context of disability, including adaptations of assessment instruments and technology-supported attachment-based interventions.

Thanks to our interdisciplinary international collaborations with clinicians and researchers, students will:

• Gain access to an extensive network of partners and experts in the field of attachment and related domains.
• Engage in thought-provoking group discussions and debates that encourage critical thinking about attachment theory and its clinical applications.
• Enrich their learning experience through lectures by renowned scholars in the field, providing you with the opportunity to network with professionals at various career levels, from juniors to seniors, and collaborate with peers on group projects.
• Immerse themselves in a transformative educational experience that combines theoretical depth with practical applications, fostering a global perspective on human attachment development.