Influence of early attachments on later relationships

Question 1

What is the idea of an internal working model?

Answer 1

The first attachment you form acts as a template for all future attachments

Question 2

What are the potential implications of an internal woking model?

Answer 2

Good first attachment = good relationships. expectations
Bad first attachment = bad relationship. expectations
Secure infants - better friendships - less likely to bully

Question 3

What do internal working models also affect?

Answer 3

Later parenting styles - pass on your own attachment type

Question 4

What is the key study into the influence of early attachment type on later relationships?

Answer 4

Hazan and Shaver (1987)

Question 5

What were the aims of Hazan and Shaver’s study?

Answer 5

To study the association between attachment type and adult relationships

Question 6

What was the procedure of Hazan and Shaver’s study?

Answer 6

Put love quiz ad in newspaper - 3 sections to quiz - current relationships, general love experiences, attachment type - analysed 620 responses

Question 7

How did Hazan and Shaver assess attachment type?

Answer 7

They asked pcps to pick responses that best describe their feelings

Question 8

What were the findings of Hazan and Shaver’s study?

Answer 8

56% secure
25% insecure avoidant
19% insecure resistant
Attachment type in infancy reflected in romantic relationships

Question 9

What are the evaluation points for the influence of attachment on later relationships?

Answer 9

1. Mixed evidence for continuity of attachment - Zimmerman (2000) little relationship between infant and adolescent attachment
2. Issues with validity - use questionaires and interviews to assess often - not always valid
3. Correlation doesn’t mean causation
4. Over-Exaggerated influence of the infant attachment on future relationship