This paper proposes a revision of some attachment theory concepts, especially those about attachment, attachment behavior, and internal representational model. It discusses such concepts according to the ideas of Bowlby and some contemporary authors. The dichotomy between behavior and attachment representation is questioned, as well as the stability and specificity of the internal representational model, based on the main theoreticians of this field, especially the psychoanalytical ones. It is evaluated the relevance of the representational dimension and its role as emotions' regulator and self organizer, and the implications of such roles for Clinical and Development Psychology and for future studies.
attachment and psychoanalysis; attachment behavior; attachment representation