In this chapter we will discuss the relevance of attachment theory and research to
the understanding and treatment of personality pathology. We will focus on recent
developments that have highlighted the vital role played by the parent's understanding
of the infant's internal world in enabling the infant to acquire capacities for affect
regulation, attentional control, and mentalization and in the infant's development
of a sense of self-agency. We will argue that the development of these capacities
may be compromised in children who have not benefited from the opportunity to be understood
and thought about in this way by a sensitive caregiver. Such individuals are then
at greater risk of developing personality pathology, particularly if early neglect
is compounded by trauma. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
