6 Flashcards
What part of Bowlby’s Monotropic Theory relates to the influence of early attachments on later relationships?
Internal working model
Define internal working model
Infant’s mental representation of their relationship with their primary attachment figure - thought to act as a template for future relationships
Why is the first infant-caregiver relationship (primary attachment) important?
Acts as internal working model for infant, creating a template of how they treat others + expect to be treated in future relationships
This long lasting effect can be described using CONTINUITY HYPOTHESIS
What is the continuity hypothesis?
Idea that early relationships with caregivers predict later relationships (in later childhood + adulthood)
What kind of later relationships are people with Secure (B) early attachments generally supposed to have?
Functional, good relationships
What kind of later relationships are people with Insecure (A+C) early attachments generally supposed to have?
Less good future relationships
What later relationships are looked at?
- Relationships in childhood (with other children + adults)
- Romantic relationships in adulthood
- Parental relationships in adulthood
How are early attachments thought to influence childhood relationships?
Impact quality of friendships + involvement in issues such as bullying
What childhood relationships are expected from an Insecure-Avoidant (A) early attachment?
- Struggle to make friends, displaying avoidant behaviour (e.g. keeping to themselves, being emotionally disconnected to others)
- Often bullied
What childhood relationships are expected from an Insecure-Resistant (C) early attachment?
- Struggle to make friends, displaying resistant behaviour (e.g. may manipulate friendships, seeking attention/control, but also showing dislike/anger towards others)
- Often bully others
Who did research to support the continuity hypothesis of early attachments affecting childhood relationships?
Wilson + Smith (1998)
Outline the research by Wilson + Smith (1998)
Aim:
To assess attachment types’ links to childhood bullying behaviour
Procedure:
- 196 children from London (age 7-11)
- Did standard questionnaire
Findings:
- Avoidant (A): Often bullied
- Secure (B): Unlikely to be involved in bullying
- Resistant (C): Often bully
Conclusion:
Early attachment type does affect childhood relationships, which can be seen in bullying behaviour patterns
Who did research to support the continuity hypothesis of early attachments affecting adult romantic relationships, suggested originally by McCarthy?
Hazan + Shaver (1987)
Who originally suggested that romantic relationships are affected by early attachments?
McCarthy (1999)
What type of romantic relationships did McCarthy suggest Securely Attached (B) children had?
Good, trusting, long-lasting relationships