Influence Of Early Attachments On Adult Relationships

Question 1

What is a ‘Childhood Relationship’?

Answer 1

Research on influence of infant bond on childhood interactions, i.e. bullying and friendships. Securely attached infants tend to have better friendships in childhood and not be involved in
bullying, unlike insecure attachment.

Question 2

What is an ‘Adult Relationship’?

Answer 2

Research on influence of infant bond on adult relationships, particularly romantic relationships and parenting. It seems secure attachment in infancy is correlated with better later
relationships, unlike insecure attachment.

Question 3

What is a ‘Temperament Hypothesis’?

Answer 3

Criticises the continuity hypothesis by suggesting that infants are born with an innate personality - which explains the correlation between initial attachment and adult relationships (Kagan).

Question 4

What does it mean to be ‘Socially Sensitive’?

Answer 4

This means when research findings have implications for certain groups. For instance, attachment research is often socially sensitive as it implies there are better / more appropriate ways
to raise children and choosing alternatives may disadvantage children in some way. This puts pressure on parents, especially women to make choices such as saying at home.