Effects of attachment on later relationships

Question 1

Internal working model

Answer 1

• Mental representations we carry from our relationship with our primary caregiver
• Secure = seek out functional relationships
• Avoidant experience = emotionally unavailable + uninvolved
• Resistant = controlling + manipulative

Question 2

Relationships in later childhood

Answer 2

• Kerns et al. (1994)
• Secure attachment: better quality childhood friends
• Insecure attachment: friendship difficulties

Question 3

Friendships in childhood

Answer 3

• Myron-Wilson and Smith (1998)
• Avoidant: victims of bullying
• Resistant: bully
• Secure: not involved in bullying behaviour

Question 4

Romantic relationships in adulthood

Answer 4

• McCarthy (1999)
• 44 women assessed for attachment types
• Secure = best adult friendships and romantic relationships
• Avoidant = struggle with intimacy
• Resistant = difficulty maintaining relationships

Question 5

The love quiz

Answer 5

• Hazan and Shaver (1987)
• Analysed 620 replies to a love quiz
• 3 sections: current/most important relationship, general love experiences, attachment type
• 56% secure: good, long lasting relationships
• 25% Avoidant: Jealousy, afraid of intimacy
• 19% resistant: manipulative

Question 6

Relationships in adulthood as a parent

Answer 6

• Bailey et al (2007)
• 99 mothers
• Parenting style reflected attachment to own parents

Question 7

Evaluations

Answer 7

• Love quiz = self report + retrospective data: impaired recall. IWM = unconscious so cannot be accessed
• Becca Stoll et al. : Longitudinal study. No continuity in attachment type from age 1 -16 yrs. Impact of early attachment unclear.
• Clarke + Clarke: no one doomed to have a string of failed attachments - self fulfilling prophecy: socially sensitive

+ Fearen and Roisan: review on evidence showed early attachment predicts later relationships + wellbeing - led to improved care. Reliable and valuable