The contributions of behavioural genetic studies to attachment theory

Abstract

This review considers the ways in which the methods and theories of behavioural genetics and attachment theory are mutually informative. Four issues are discussed. First, the benefits of the adoptive and twin research designs for testing attachment theory proposals are examined. Second, the ways in which attachment research may elucidate the behavioural genetic concepts of 'shared' and 'non-shared' environment are assessed. Third, the methods use to clarify the role of child effects on child-parent attachment quality are addressed. Finally, the limitations and data analytic considerations of synthesizing behavioural genetic and attachment research are outlined.