Dynamic processes underlying adult attachment organization: Toward an attachment theoretical perspective on the healthy and effective self

Contemporary attachment theory is inspiring a burgeoning literature on adul t attachment. This literature offers counseling psychology a compelling fra mework for understanding the healthy and effective self. In this article, t he authors review studies probing the cognitive processes, affect self-regu latory dynamics, and relationship behaviors associated with secure (primary ) and insecure (secondary) adult attachment strategies. They then offer a p ortrait of the healthy, effective personality that is consistent with theor y and research on adult attachment. Finally, in an effort to understand key characteristics of successful movement toward the healthy and effective se lf, the authors review empirical extensions of attachment theory to the the rapeutic context.