AO1 - Influence of Early Attachment on Relationships

• According to Bowlby (1969) adult relationships are likely to be a continuation of early attachment styles because the behaviour of the infant’s primary attachment figure promotes an internal working model.
• Bowlby suggested that the internal working model creates a framework for future relationships.
• The internal working model in childhood creates a blueprint for adult relationships.
• The quality of early attachments shapes what we look for in future relationships.
• Attachment type is associated with the quality of peer relationships in childhood.
• According to Kerns (1994) securely attached children go on to form better childhood friendships.
• Myron-Wilson & Smith (1998) assessed attachment type and bullying behaviour.
• Myron-Wilson & Smith (1998) found that securely attached children are less likely to be involved in bullying.
• Myron-Wilson & Smith (1998) found that insecure avoidant children were the most likely to be victims of bullying behaviour.
• Myron-Wilson & Smith (1998) found that insecure resistant children are more likely to become bullies.
• The internal working model affects both romantic relationships and those with our own children later in life.
• Hazan & Shaver (1987) studied relationships to find out whether romantic love among adults shows the same attachment styles as those found between children and their parents.
• Hazan & Shaver (1987) like Bowlby believed that an infant’s attachment to their primary caregiver provides a schema of how adult relationships work.
• Hazan & Shaver (1987) analysed 620 replies to a 'love quiz' printed in an American newspaper.
• Hazan & Shaver's (1987) love quiz results found 56% of respondents were securely attached and most likely to report longer-lasting romantic experiences.
• Hazan & Shaver (1987) found 25% of respondents to be insecure avoidant.
• Hazan & Shaver (1987) found 19% of respondents to be insecure resistant.
• Hazan & Shaver (1987) reported that avoidant respondents tended to reveal more jealousy and fear of commitment/ intimacy.