Current progress in caregiving research in attachment theory:

Exploring why there is a lack of research, and perspectives for future research

Abstract

Issues concerning caregiving behavior in attachment theory have been overlooked, even though it is an essential factor of the theory. In this paper, we reviewed previous studies on caregiving to explore why there is a lack of research and to determine future directions. To begin, based on research pertaining to parent-child relationships and intimate adult relationships, we defined caregiving in the context of attachment theory. In addition, we outlined the idea of a behavioral system and an internal work model (IWM) that can become a basis of research, or a process of formation and development of the caregiving system and the IWM, including the problems to be investigated in future studies. Then, some problems in the research of intergenerational transmission of attachment and intimate adult relationships were suggested as the reason why the research on caregiving behavior has been delayed in attachment theory. Moreover, it was also indicated that the proximate occurrence mechanism of caregiving behavior was not clarified as a cause. We suggest a new model and some future directions.