John Bowlby

Pioneers of Human Behaviour: John Bowlby
A Gateway to His Life, Theories, and Legacy

Few psychologists have changed the way we think about human relationships as profoundly as John Bowlby. His attachment theory transformed childcare, reshaped social policy, and bridged the gap between psychoanalysis and modern developmental science. By uncovering the deep biological need for secure bonds, Bowlby revealed that love is not a luxury—it is a survival requirement.

This concise yet powerful volume distils Bowlby’s life, work, and enduring influence into clear, engaging chapters. From his early upbringing and wartime experiences to his groundbreaking research and collaborations with Mary Ainsworth, this is both the story of a man and the evolution of an idea that changed how we raise, teach, and heal human beings.

Alongside an accessible exploration of Bowlby’s theories, you’ll discover:

• How his childhood separations shaped his revolutionary thinking on attachment

• Why his WHO report Maternal Care and Mental Health changed policy worldwide

• The landmark “Forty-Four Juvenile Thieves” study and what it revealed about loss

• How Mary Ainsworth’s “Strange Situation” research brought his theory to life

• The lasting influence of concepts like “secure base” and “internal working model” in therapy, parenting, and education

Part biography, part theory guide, and part reflection on legacy, this book offers an inspiring and practical lens on one of psychology’s most influential minds. Whether you’re a student, therapist, educator, or simply curious about what makes human bonds so powerful, this is your gateway to understanding Bowlby’s timeless insights.

The Pioneers of Human Behaviour series celebrates the lives and legacies of psychology’s greatest minds, presenting timeless insights in a format designed to inspire, inform, and endure.