McCathy (1999)

• Did a study that investigated the relationship between mother- child attachment and the quality of adult relationships
• The sample consisted of 40 women aged 25-42 years old
• Found that participants who had experienced negative parenting were six times more likely to be experiencing difficulties in their adult relationships than those who had not
• Found that participants who had experienced negative parenting were six times more likely to be experiencing difficulties in their adult relationships than those who had not
• Women who were secure as infants had better friendships and relationships
• Women who were secure as infants had better friendships and relationships
• Those who were insecure and avoidant struggled with romantic relationships
• Those who were resistant struggled with friendships
• These results suggested that the quality of childhood experiences with our parents may influence the function of adult relationships