Attachment Theory in Educational Psychology

Attachment theory, introduced by John Bowlby and further developed by authors such as Main and Ainsworth, has revolutionized the world of developmental psychology. It provides a new and important theoretical framework to explain the psychological development of individuals from their earliest interactions with their caregivers. Theorists and researchers have shown that a secure relationship with an attachment figure is a protective factor for a person's psychological adjustment. Attachment theory has also become a foundational theory in the field of developmental psychology. In fact, secure attachment appears to predict greater emotional and behavioral well-being, improved self-esteem, and greater competence in emotion regulation and social skills that allow students of all ages to better integrate into the classroom community and develop more positive relationships with adults and peers in the school environment, which promotes their emotional well-being and better academic adjustment.

Furthermore, secure attachment to caregivers appears to be associated with better cognitive development and to promote important processes that are responsible for better academic achievement. However, attachment theory has not focused exclusively on the relationship with parents, but has gradually taken into account the influence of caregivers outside the family context, which in the school environment are mainly teachers. Although the quality of the relationship with teachers seems to be in continuity with the quality of the parental relationship, there is evidence of how the teacher can balance the basic psychological needs of children and adolescents by promoting better psychological adjustment and better academic performance of students. This is particularly relevant when children come from sub-optimal family environments where they have experienced relationships characterized by lack of sensitivity, insecurity or overt rejection and hostility.

Although attachment theory appears to be an important theoretical lens for research in the field of educational psychology, the research field promises important areas for further investigation. With this in mind, the aim of the present Research Topic is to extend current knowledge about the contribution of attachment theory to the understanding of issues in educational psychology.

We especially encourage authors from around the world to propose their contributions to expand this area of research. Theoretical contributions such as opinion papers, theoretical papers, literature reviews (both narrative and systematic) and meta-analyses are welcome, as is empirical research, both qualitative and quantitative, especially from under-researched or cross-cultural contexts. Therefore, that address these issues (and more):

- the effects of attachment on cognitive development, learning processes and academic achievement.

- the quality of the teacher-student relationship: measurement tools and effects on learners' psychological adjustment

- the role of attachment in the development of peer relationships in educational and school contexts.

- the contribution of attachment to students' psychological adjustment.

- Intervention, prevention and training strategies and protocols inspired by attachment theory.

-the development of instruments to measure attachment in schools

- trauma-informed school research.