Hazan and shaver

Question 1

what is the aim of the study?

Answer 1

To explore the possibility that attachment theory offers a perspective on adult romantic love and to create a framework for understanding love, loneliness and grief at different points in the life cycle

Question 2

what was it predicted that?

Answer 2

it was predicted that:

there would be correlation between adult’s attachment styles and the type of parenting they received

Question 3

what was the procedure?

Answer 3

• respondants to a love quiz in a local newspaper were asked which of 3 descriptions best applied to their inner feelings about romantic relationships. these descriptions related to secure attachments insecure -avoidant attachments and insecure resistant attachments
• rps also completed a checklist describing childhood relationships with parenting relating to the same attachment types. 2 separate samples were tested (see other F/C)

Question 4

what did sample 1 consist of?

Answer 4

compromised 205 men and 415 women between 14 - 82 years old. 91% describing themselves as heterosexual 42% were married 28% were divorced or widowed 9% cohabiting 31% dating

Question 5

what did sample 2 consist of?

Answer 5

compromised of 108 students (38 men and 70 women) who answered additional items focusing more on the self-side of the mental mode as well as items measuring loneliness

Question 6

what were the findings of the study?

Answer 6

• in both samples those described as securely-attached described the most important love relationship they ever had was supporting, loving and trusting.
• securely attached rps expressed their belief of long lasting love
• insecure avoidant rps were more doubtful about the existence or durability of romantic love
• insecure-avoidant rps expressed more self doubt
• both insecure types were vulnerable to loneliness

Question 7

what were the conclusions of the study?

Answer 7

• the % of adults in the different attachment types match those of the children in Ainsworth’s study
• the correlation between adult’s attachment styles and their memories of parenting styles they recieved is similar to Ainsworth’s findings where childrens attachment styles were correlated to degree of sensitivity from mothers