LS13 - Attachment Theory

Question 1

Attachment Theory

Answer 1

Suggests PSRs are linked to attachment problems in childhood, the PSR meets their need of attachment/affection.

Question 2

Bowlby’s Attachment Theory Link

Answer 2

Bowlby suggested the absence of a mono tropic attachment before the critical period will lead to long term impacts and people could become affection less psychopaths and try to find a replacement primary caregiver, which parasocial relationships provide.

Question 3

Ainsworth Attachment Theory Link

Answer 3

Ainsworth suggested people who form insecure-resistant relationships with their primary caregiver will be more likely to engage in PSRs as they fear criticism/rejection in real life relationships.

Question 4

Strengths (+)

Answer 4

Insecure-Resistant Research
Stalker Correlations
Positive Attitudes To Stalking Behaviours

Question 5

Weaknesses (-)

Answer 5

Evidence Relies On Memory
Parasocial Relationships Can Be Beneficial

Question 6

Insecure-Resistant Research (+)

Answer 6

Cole and Leets found people with an insecure-resistant attachment style were more likely to have PSRs with their favourite TRV personalities and insecure-avoidant were least likely to.

Question 7

Stalker Correlations (+)

Answer 7

63% of stalkers experienced the loss of a primary caregiver during early childhood and 50% reported emotional/physical/sexual abuse from their primary caregivers.

Question 8

Positive Attitudes To Stalking Behaviours (+)

Answer 8

Research has shown adults with insecure attachment types had positive attitudes to obsessive behaviours e.g. stalking implying stalking is related to childhood attachment.

Question 9

Research Relies On Memory (-)

Answer 9

Recollection of childhood abuse/relationships are likely to be flawed meaning that the studies supporting the attachment theory are invalid.