A review was conducted of literature published over the past 15 years pertaining to attachment factors associated with the formation of anorexia and bulimia nervosa. This review first aims to shed light on the connections between disruption in attachment and psychological disturbances underlying eating disorders. The second purpose is to encourage further exploration of the etiology of eating disorders as related to attachment with the hope that additional studies will help in the treatment and prevention of their occurrence. The review is divided into two parts. Part 1 provides definitions of the constructs examined and explains the theoretical formation on which the research is based. Part 2 addresses methodological considerations crucial to the examination of the scope of the research presented. Although there is an association between attachment functions and eating disorder pathology, the literature does little to advance an understanding of how disturbances in development of secure attachment relate to subsequent manifestation of symptoms of eating disorders. Ideas are advanced on what research is necessary to illuminate perspective or developmental course of eating disorders. (Contains 76 references.) (JDM)