Influence of early attachment on later relationships

• Bowlby suggested that a child forms an internal working model based on their attachment to their primary caregiver. This model serves as a mental framework for future relationships.

  • The quality of a child's first attachment is crucial because this template will powerfully affect the nature of their future relationships.
  • A child’s first attachment is thought to shape their expectations about themselves and others in relationships.
• The internal model is said to influence how children approach relationships throughout life, affecting friendships, romantic partnerships, and even relationships with their own children.
• Hazan and Shaver's "Love Quiz" explored the link between early attachment styles and adult romantic relationships. They created a “Love Quiz,” which asked participants about their early attachments and current romantic relationship experiences.

  The "Love Quiz" had three sections:

  • assessed current or most important relationship
  • assessed general love experience e.g. number of partners
  • assessed attachment type
• Hazan and Shaver's "Love Quiz" study found that:

  • 56% of participants identified as securely attached. These individuals reported longer-lasting relationships, characterized by trust.
  • 25% of participants identified as insecure-avoidant. They often avoided intimacy and were less likely to commit fully to relationships, showing a preference for independence.
  • 19% of participants identified as insecure-resistant. These individuals tended to be overly invested in relationships, experienced jealousy and anxiety, and worried about their partner’s commitment.
• Hazan and Shaver’s “Love Quiz” findings support the idea that early attachment influences later relationship patterns, suggesting continuity between childhood attachment styles and adult romantic behavior.
• Individuals with a secure attachment type in childhood are generally able to form trusting and healthy relationships as adults. They find it easier to maintain close, stable friendships, and romantic relationships, and they are more likely to have high self-esteem and a positive outlook on relationships.
• Adults with an insecure-avoidant attachment style may find it difficult to depend on others or seek emotional intimacy. They tend to avoid close relationships and may struggle to trust or rely on partners, leading to a preference for independence and distance in relationships.
• Adults with an insecure-resistant attachment type may become overly invested in relationships and experience high levels of jealousy or anxiety about their partner’s commitment. They may be sensitive to rejection and prone to clingy behaviours, which can create difficulties in maintaining stable, balanced relationships.