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Review
. 2019 Feb:25:16-20.
doi: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2018.02.009. Epub 2018 Feb 16.

Attachment, caregiving in couple relationships, and prosocial behavior in the wider world

Phillip R Shaver  1 , Mario Mikulincer  2 , Jude Cassidy  3
Affiliations
Review

Attachment, caregiving in couple relationships, and prosocial behavior in the wider world

Phillip R Shaver et al. Curr Opin Psychol. 2019 Feb.

Abstract

According to attachment theory, a sense of attachment security (confidence that others will be available and supportive when needed) facilitates the functioning of the caregiving behavioral system and the empathic provision of care to suffering others. In this article we review what has been learned during the last decade about attachment-related individual differences in caregiving within couple relationships and prosocial behavior in the wider world. We begin with a brief account of attachment theory and the dynamic interplay of the attachment and caregiving behavioral systems. We then review findings from correlational and experimental studies showing that attachment security has positive influences on noticing and reacting favorably to the suffering of romantic partners and strangers.

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