Influence Of Early Attachment On Later Relationships

Question 1

How does the internal working model influence later relationships

Answer 1

Tendency to assume that’s how all relationships work, therefore need a good first example
If not they will struggle to form or sustain relationships

Question 2

How does attachment influence relationships in childhood

Answer 2

• secure babies will tend to form better friendships than those with other attachment styles (kerns)
• bully behaviour can be predicted. Secure children won’t be involved, insecure avoidant would be victims and insecure resistant would be bullies. (Myron Wilson and smith)

Question 3

How does early attachment influence relationships in adulthood

Answer 3

Affects romantic relations and parental relations
Secure adults had best friendships and relationships, insecure resistant had problems maintaining friendships and insecure avoidant struggled with romantic relationships. (McCarthy)

Question 4

What is the strength for influence of early attachment on later relationships

Answer 4

Supporting evidence
- fearon and roisman
- early attachment consistently predicts later attachment
Eg disorganised attachment strongly predicts mental health disorder in the future

Question 5

What are the limitations to influence of early attachment on later relationships (2)

Answer 5

Validity issues with retrospective studies because it requires honesty and accuracy from participants due to it not being a longitudinal study.

Confounding variables -
Eg parenting style or genetically influenced personality. Therefore can’t be sure if it is early attachment or another factor influencing later development