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Abstract
The theory of attachment for decades has inspired countless scientists in numerous fields. One of the concepts that draws on Bowlby’s creative remarks is the theory of prenatal attachment, whose authors claim that it is before birth that the attachment tie is established. Efforts aiming at operationalising the construct resulted in creating a few questionnaires.
Researchers exploring determinants of prenatal attachment, come to different, non-homogenous conclusions. One may also have the impression that, contrary to Bowlby’s assumptions, prenatal attachment is often conceptualized as a unilateral bond. However, if the affinity of prenatal attachment with Bowlby’s attachment is to be confirmed, it seems highly recommended to integrate questionnaire studies of pregnant women with psychophysiological research on foetuses.
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