The transnational history of attachment theory in post-war Europe: an interdisciplinary study of agents, discourses, and practices

• Applicant: Dr. Felix Berth
• Subject Area: General Education and History of Education
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 534863679

The interdisciplinary network on the transnational history of attachment theory in post-war Europe aims to answer two interrelated questions. First, to describe the outreach of attachment theory in various sciences, and second, to analyse its influences on society, e.g., residential care or ideas of normality in childcare. By answering these questions about one of the most influential theories in psychology, psychiatry, social work, education, and psychotherapy, the proposed network will be able to shed light on the varying reception of attachment theory with time, country, and discipline. These studies will enhance our understanding of the current-day use of attachment theory in different disciplines and countries. This contributes to a comprehensive understanding of innovations in the psy- sciences and changing ideas of childhood.

• DFG Programme: Scientific Networks
• Co-Investigator: Dr. Claudia Moisel