The attachment working models concept: Among other things, we build script-like representations of secure base experiences

TLDR

Attachment theory emphasizes mental representations, traditionally framed as working models, but this concept has been criticized for being overly broad; recent cognitive and developmental advances allow more precise specification of attachment-related representations, particularly of secure base experiences. The study aims to focus on script-like representations of secure base experience as a first step toward more precise attachment models. The authors define a secure base script, describe a method to assess individuals' knowledge of it, and review evidence supporting its role in the working models concept.

Abstract

Mental representations are of central importance in attachment theory. Most often conceptualized in terms of working models, ideas about mental representation have helped guide both attachment theory and research. At the same time, the working models concept has been criticized as overly extensible, explaining too much and therefore too little. Once unavoidable, such openness is increasingly unnecessary and a threat to the coherence of attachment theory. Cognitive and developmental understanding of mental representation has advanced markedly since Bowlby's day, allowing us to become increasingly specific about how attachment-related representations evolve, interact, and influence affect, cognition, and behavior. This makes it possible to be increasingly specific about mental representations of attachment and secure base experience. Focusing on script-like representations of secure base experience is a useful first step in this direction. Here we define the concept of a secure base script, outline a method for assessing a person's knowledge/access to a secure base script, and review evidence that script-like representations are an important component of the working models concept.