Abstract
Mikulincer and Shaver review the attachment behavioral system in adulthood — how proximity seeking, hyperactivation, and deactivation shape closeness under threat.
Mikulincer, M., & Shaver, P. R. (2003). Advances in experimental social psychology (Vol. 35, pp. 53–152). Elsevier. DOI
Key findings
- System stays active — Attachment is not childhood-only — activation continues in adult bonds.
- Hyperactivation — Anxiety-linked hyperactivation — protest, cling, rumination when closeness feels uncertain.
- Deactivation — Avoidance-linked deactivation — minimise need, distance, self-reliance as shield.
- Interpersonal scripts — Working models script how you read partner moves and your own responses.
Limits
Handbook chapter synthesis — not one longitudinal cohort.
Application
When closeness triggers chase or shutdown — think attachment system activation, not only bad communication. See Attachment and bonding lineage.