Author Carol Garhart Mooney shares with readers (parents and other caregivers) a description of the ideas of six founding attachment theorists: John Bowlby, Mary Ainsworth, Magda Gerber, T. Berry Brazelton, John Kennell, and Marshall Klaus—all of which have influenced our current understanding of attachment-related matters. Theories of Attachment provides a concise and inclusive assessment of the several components of attachment —'bonding, separation and stranger anxiety, and responses to crying— how it all relates to working with young children and their families.' The text enables the reader to understand each theorist's perspective in relation to attachment theory, and to apply the theory in early childhood situations. Theories of Attachment is useful for a new caregiver or to one of many years' experience.
reviewed in Dr. Jacqueline A. Carleton's column in the Europ

How much should a baby be held? How can we provide the best care for infants in child care? Theories and approaches to attachment are a central issue in good infant care. This book provides relevant information in an engaging style and with ideas for state-of-the-art application. Mooney describes the major concepts and debates about attachment, and the implica- tions for teachers in infant child care programs. Short narratives about six founding and contemporary theorists include bio- graphical sketches and discussions about how they formed their ideas and their impact on the care of babies during their time. In the remaining chapters (most of the book), the author shows how this information relates to what teachers and parents consider the biggest challenges in their interactions with babies: the birthing process and starting child care; separation and stranger anxiety; feeding, sleeping, and holding practices; and how attachment relates to the baby’s confidence and competence. This text makes a significant contribution to professional development, administration, and teaching.
New Books column of the May 2010 issue of Young Children

Mooney (early childhood education, Granite State College, New Hapshire) offers a concise overview of the major pieces in the debate surrounding attachment theory and its impact on parenting and infant caregiving. Following an introductory discussion of the historic and contemporary perspectives on attachment theory, subsequent chapters examine the lives and work of six maor theorists - John Bowlby, Mary Ainsworth, Magda Gerber, John Kennell, Marshall Klaus, and T. Berry Brazelton - and the impact of the theory on parents and providers of infant care in several areas: bonding, infant care, feeding practices, separation anxiety, stranger anxiety, responses to infant crying, and parental/provider confidence and its impact on babies. Suitable for university programs, community college courses, and training sorkshops. (Annotation 2009 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
August 2009 Book News Inc.