Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find–and Keep– Love

Psychiatrist and neuroscientist Amir Levine and psychologist Rachel S. F. Heller explore attachment theory and its application to adult romantic relationships. Attachment theory, developed by British psychologist John Bowlby in the 1950s, examines how early relationships with parents or caregivers shape who we become, and reveals that the need for close relationships is embedded in our genes. According to attachment theory, people exhibit one of three relationship behaviors: anxious individuals worry about their partner's ability to love them back; avoidant individuals associate intimacy with loss of independence and minimize closeness; secure individuals feel comfortable with intimacy and tend to be warm and loving. The book helps readers identify their own attachment style and that of their partner, then provides guidance on navigating relationships more effectively based on these styles. It traces how evolutionary influences continue to shape adult relationships today and offers a framework for building stronger, more fulfilling connections.