The first lab of its kind in Egypt and the Arab World

Exploring bonds … understanding connections.

A developmental research lab at The American University in Cairo, studying the bonds between children and parents, and how attachment carries across generations.

Participate in research Explore our research

What do we do?

The Attachment Lab was launched in early 2024 by Dr Nour Zaki. The Lab is equipped to welcome both parents and children in an orientation room, an observation room, as well as a playroom.

Dr Nour Zaki at her desk, with children’s drawings pinned up behind her — Dr Nour Zaki, who launched the lab in early 2024

The lab’s orientation room — The orientation room

The lab’s observation room — The observation room

The lab’s playroom, with toys on a play mat — The playroom

At the Attachment Lab, our developmental research delves into the intricate dynamics of attachment across generations, examining the profound bonds between children and parents and the intergenerational transmission of attachment patterns.

We explore how early parent-child interactions shape adult attachment patterns as well as the developmental pathway of parenting. We also investigate other attachment-related concepts, including attachment to God, and how it relates to one’s early experiences with caregivers.

Through innovative methodologies, we uncover the nuances of attachment theory, shedding light on the fundamental connections that influence emotional development and interpersonal relationships. Join us as we explore the essence of attachment and its impact on human connections from infancy to adulthood.

Why study attachment?

The attachment relationships we form from before birth and beyond influence our lives in numerous ways.

Previous studies have found that attachment patterns influence our adult relationships, how we cope with conflict, and even how we parent. As a result of its wide-ranging impacts, attachment has been an area of interest in research all around the world.

Nevertheless, very little research has explored attachment in Egypt and the Arab world as a whole. Given that attachment is greatly influenced by culture, understanding attachment patterns and how they manifest within our cultural context is essential to advancing this field in the Arab world.

Research assistants at the lab, holding up a painting

1^st

No studies before the Attachment Lab’s used the gold standard of attachment observations to explore attachment patterns in Egypt and the Arab world.

About our studies

Making attachment knowledge more accessible

Attachment Conversations

In addition to conducting research, the Attachment Lab hosts biweekly Attachment Conversations, in which the Lab’s founder engages with a professional to explore the intersection of attachment with other areas of interest.

These conversations aim to bridge the gap between research and practice, making attachment knowledge more accessible and highlighting its relevance to everyday life. They are also recorded and can be watched in our virtual library!

Browse the library See our events

Latest recordings

Attachment, Belonging and the Meaning of ‘Home’

Dr Hani Henry

Attachment Turned Inwards: Connections with IFS

Dr Hoda Refaat

Neurological Pathways of Attachment

Dr Ahmed Aboul Wafa

Relational Foundations of Addiction

Dr Nayla Grace

Disorganized Attachment & Complex Trauma

Dr Laila Abdel Salam

Meet the founder

Dr Nour Zaki

Founder & Director · Assistant Professor of Psychology, The American University in Cairo

Read her profile

+9Dr Zaki works alongside a team of research assistants who take part in every stage of the research process.Meet the team

Lab features

The Attachment Lab has gained recognition for its work both inside and outside of AUC. Visit some of the sources below for a deeper understanding of the Lab’s research.