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Emotional availability: Critical questions and research horizons

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 January 2012

Robert N. Emde*
Affiliation:
University of Colorado
*
Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Robert N. Emde, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Colorado School of Public Health, Centers for American Indian and Alaska Native Health, Mail Stop F800, 13055 East 17th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045; E-mail: bob.emde@ucdenver.edu.

Abstract

Based on attachment theory, the construct of emotional availability and its assessment goes beyond attachment in important ways. Its origins in clinical experience and emotions research are discussed as well as the prospects for continuing advances in knowledge stimulated by the contributions in the Special Section. This is especially so in terms of developmental variations and the biological underpinnings of emotional availability. A major need and opportunity also exists concerning research related to psychopathology, clinical interventions, and training.

Type
Special Section Commentaries
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2012

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