Is attachment theory ready to contribute to our understanding of disruptive behavior problems?

Attachment theory and research have traditionally been subspecialties in infant social development. Recent work has extended the relevance of attachment theory and assessments well into childhood and has established firm ties to work with adults. Many of the same variables associated with the development of disruptive behavior problems also influence the development of attachment. In addition, recent data point to consistent relations between attachment status and disruptive behavior problems. This paper reviews attachment theory, summarizes mechanisms through which attachment might be related to disruptive behavior problems, and discusses the relevance of attachment theory to prevention and therapy. We emphasize the diversity of possible relations between attachment and disruptive behavior problems and the fact that incorporating attachment theory into research on disruptive behavior problems does not mean interpreting every disruptive behavior as attachment related or every attachment-related disruption as serving the same function.