influence of early attachment

Question 1

what is the continuity hypothesis?

Answer 1

-the idea that there is consistency between early emotional experiences and alter relationships

Question 2

what is the internal working model?

Answer 2

-a mental representation of an individuals relationship with their primary caregiver that becomes a template for future childhood and adult relationships

Question 3

how do childhood relationships influence relationships?

Answer 3

-research shows continuity between early attachment styles and quality of childhood relationships
-evidence suggests children who form attachments to each other in early life won’t go on to form adult sexual relationships with eachother

Question 4

research on childhood relationships

Answer 4

-mullis et al 1999 - reported that in late childhood, attachments to peers reflect those made to parents in infancy (supported by laible 2000 - late childhood, individuals transfer learned attachment behaviours to social situations and peer groups)

Question 5

evaluate childhood attachments

Answer 5

-attachments formed between infants and carers have a large influence is determining quality of childhood relationships, those with secure profit best in terms of positive characteristics
-early attachments can influence differences in cognitive ability, emotional responses and social skills
-deterministic to assume early causes later, its likely there are other factors
-evolutionary anti-incest device for why childhood attached dont have adult sexual relationships

Question 6

how do adult relationships influence relationships?

Answer 6

continuity between adults attachment types and their children (children adopt parenting styles)
-continuity between early attachment styles and later realtionships

Question 7

research on adult relationships

Answer 7

-McCarthy - assessed relationships quality of 40 women who were insecurely attached in childhood, finding IA had less successful romantic relationships, while IR had issues forming non-romantic relationships

Question 8

evaluate adult attachments

Answer 8

-wood et al said quality of relationships was based on the interaction of each attachment types, so insecure can have good relationships with secure
-internal working model isn’t fully supported (Steele et al found a small correlation (0,17) between secure relationships in childhood and adult
-hamilton found secure children went on to insecure relationships if they had negative life events
-temperament hypothesis says adult relationships are bio determined from innate personality, so changing attachment styles won’t work