The aims of this guide are to provide the practitioner with the means to assess parental bonding and infantile attachments. A description of infantile attachments, a look at contentious issues, evidence for and against the 'critical period' and a proforma to describe and rate parental attachments are included.

Martin Herbert has drawn on years of child and family guidance experience and of teaching professionals from various disciplines for this series. He is currently Professor of Clinical and Community Psychology, University of Exeter, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Exeter Health Authority and a Fellow of The British Psychological Society.