Psychiatry & Psychotherapy Podcast Reflective Functioning: The Key to Attachment with Dr. Howard Steele
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May 17, 2024 
In this insightful discussion, Dr. Howard Steele, a leading expert in attachment theory, unpacks the concept of reflective functioning—a key element in understanding emotional and relational dynamics. He explains how this scale measures our ability to articulate our internal states and those of others. Topics include the role of reflective functioning in treatment outcomes, its implications in parenting, particularly among mothers facing adversity, and its connection to mental health issues like borderline personality disorder. Steele highlights how improving reflective capacities can lead to healthier attachments and deeper emotional insights.
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Characteristics of High Reflective Functioning
- High RF individuals are tentative about their hypotheses, acknowledging mental states' opaqueness.
- They also understand that mental states can be disguised, as seen with gift-giving.
Mental States and Behavior
- Mental states tied to behavior: Make accurate attributions of mental states and speculate on them.
- For example, listeners may be curious or frustrated if concepts are unclear.
Improving Reflective Functioning
- Increase reflective functioning by measuring it and reading literature or poetry.
- Be patient, reticent, ask questions, and form judgments with high confidence, not absolute.