The influence of early attachment on childhood and adult relationships Flashcards
Outline the influence of early attachment on later relationships in childhood.
Our internal working model (IWM) impacts us later childhood.
Wilson and Smith interviewed 196 children (7-11 years) from London and found:
Secure attached children have better friendships and less likely to be involved in bullying.
Insecure-resistant – more likely to be a bully
Insecure- avoidant – more likely to be bullied
Outline the influence of early attachment on later relationships in adulthood.
Our internal working model (IWM) impacts us later in romantic adulthood relationships.
Hazan and Shaver (love quiz) – secure responders had better and longer lasting relationships. Avoidant responders had fear of commitment and resistant were more likely to be jealous lovers.
Our internal working model (IWM) impacts us later when we develop relationships with our own children.
Parenting: Bailey et al – IWM is inter-generational– attachment type matched that of their mothers and also their babies
Evaluate.
+ Research support: early attachment does seem to impact on relationships. Also, research has shown children with a disorganised attachment had greater risk of mental issues.
- Counterpoint: contradictory research: a longitudinal study of 43 people (from 1 -> 16) found no evidence of IWM continuity
+ Real world applications: support/therapy could be provided for people e.g. if a person knows their attachment type and has difficulty in romantic relationships.
- Counterpoint: Ethics: knowing attachment type could lead to self-fulfilling prophecy.
- Methodology issues: self-report so influenced by social desirability bias. Research is often retrospective so might not be accurate and therefore lacks internal validity.
