A03

• Point: One strength of the research into attachment and later relationships is supporting evidence.

  Evidence: Fearon and Roisman (2017) reviewed studies linking early attachment to later development, finding consistent predictions of later attachment, emotional well-being, and parenting.

  Explain: Secure attachment predicts favourable future outcomes, while disorganised attachment correlates strongly with later mental health issues.

  Link: Therefore, this suggests that early secure attachment offers advantages for future development, while disorganised attachment disadvantages children.
• Point: However, not all evidence supports the existence of close links between early attachment and later development.

  Evidence: The Regensburg longitudinal study followed 43 individuals from the age of one year. 

  Explain: They found no evidence of continuity between early attachment and attachment at age 16.

  Link: Thus, this indicates uncertainty regarding the predictive value of early attachment on later development as other factors may play significant roles.
• Point: One limitation of most research into the influence of attachment is that early attachment is assessed retrospectively.

  Evidence: Most studies rely on self-report measures from adolescents or adults about their early attachment experiences.

  Explain: This methodological limitation relies on people being honest but also to have an accurate perception of their relationships.

  Link: Therefore, it suggests that measures of early attachment used in such studies may lack validity.
• Point: A further limitation of studies into the influence of early attachment on later development is the existence of confounding variables.

  Evidence: McCarthy (1999) assessed infancy attachment, yet factors like parenting style and genetic influences may confound results.

  Explain: This indicates that associations between attachment quality and later development may be influenced by various factors beyond early attachment experiences.

  Link: Hence, it reveals the challenge of isolating the specific impact of early attachment on later outcomes.