Separation: Anxiety And Anger (Basic Books Classics,) Volume 2

It is so detailed - amazing.

The three books in Bowlby's trilogy on Attachment, Separation and Loss need to be read a whole. Using the studies and case histories of children being separated from their mothers and important others, in a wide range of circumstances from separations of only a few minutes, through separations of several weeks on up to prolonged and permanent separation due to divorce and death, Bowlby outlines a new way of understanding neurosis, psychosis and optimal, healthy functioning.Using the lens of a Darwinian analysis, and the case histories written up by psychoanalysts spanning decades, he compares and contrasts his new theory with that of previous psychological thought, especially the psychoanalytic tradition.I found his analysis penetrating and illuminating. It sets the stage and formulates the hypotheses for further research. Much of that research has now taken place and has borne out Bowlby's theories. Not all of it, of course.Because Bowlby's attachment theory became and continues to be such a foundational analysis for so much that has followed in its wake, from evolutionary psychology to child development to psychotherapy, it is a must read for anyone interested in these and related fields.

This book is very neat in its specifics about the effects of absence when a mother is not in a child's life and the roles and effects of mother figures as well. Myself dealing with abandonment issues from my mom and my mother figure in my life, this book really assists in identifying the issues caused from the absent parent. Though the book doesn't offer any real advice as to deal with these problems that arise, it identify's the issues and allows you to further your research in progression. The writing style used can get rather complex though, be prepared for that. I agree with everything provided in this book and recommend it to anyone who's interested in either the psychological effects of absence of a parent, or seek to identify it themselves.

As an MFT graduate student, first hand accounts are important. For the price, add depth to your research writing as the theory intended. Bowlby makes separation axiety, child anger and anger clear. This is a good read even for those who are not in a clinical field. Worth a lot more too me than I paid.

Great book!!

Early work by someone who offered a contrast to Freud and who led the way to understanding the needs of young children. A cornerstone of most of the work of therapists today.

As with Bowlbys' other works, this classic furthers the hypothesis of negative emotional influence on the continued development of humans as we integrate with our social environments. I liked it...in fact, liked all of Bowlbys' writings.

I read it for a class. It wasn't precisely what I was interested in, but Bowlby clearly was and this is first class, compassionate research.