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The Wild West: Why attachment theory was never universal

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 July 2026

Michelle Ann Kline Open the ORCID record for Michelle Ann Kline [Opens in a new window] ,
Nicole Wen Open the ORCID record for Nicole Wen [Opens in a new window]  and
Julieta Baker Open the ORCID record for Julieta Baker [Opens in a new window]
Michelle Ann Kline*
Affiliation:
Centre for Culture and Evolution, Department of Psychology, Brunel University of London, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge, UK michelle.kline@brunel.ac.uk nicole.wen@brunel.ac.uk julieta.baker2@brunel.ac.uk https://www.brunel.ac.uk/people/michelle-kline https://www.brunel.ac.uk/people/nicole-wen https://www.brunel.ac.uk/people/julieta-baker
Nicole Wen
Affiliation:
Centre for Culture and Evolution, Department of Psychology, Brunel University of London, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge, UK michelle.kline@brunel.ac.uk nicole.wen@brunel.ac.uk julieta.baker2@brunel.ac.uk https://www.brunel.ac.uk/people/michelle-kline https://www.brunel.ac.uk/people/nicole-wen https://www.brunel.ac.uk/people/julieta-baker
Julieta Baker
Affiliation:
Centre for Culture and Evolution, Department of Psychology, Brunel University of London, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge, UK michelle.kline@brunel.ac.uk nicole.wen@brunel.ac.uk julieta.baker2@brunel.ac.uk https://www.brunel.ac.uk/people/michelle-kline https://www.brunel.ac.uk/people/nicole-wen https://www.brunel.ac.uk/people/julieta-baker
*
*Corresponding author.
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Abstract

We advocate for decolonizing developmental theory beyond sample expansion. Using attachment theory as an example, we demonstrate how current theories misrepresent even Western populations, where allo-parental care is a necessity. We argue that focusing on adaptive challenges, not behavior, will support open-ended theories with universal relevance. This requires reflexivity, transparency, and centering indigenous methods prior to proposing any universal developmental mechanisms.

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Type
Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 49 , 2026 , e269
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Copyright
© The Author(s), 2026. Published by Cambridge University Press

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