Evaluation

• One limitation of studies into the influence of early attachment on later development is the existence of intervening variables. While findings suggest a relationship between attachment style in infancy and the quality of later relationships, it is difficult to establish causation. Other factors, such as parenting style, may directly influence both attachment and the ability to form relationships. Additionally, a child’s temperament might be a stronger predictor of later relationship quality
• For example, Glynn (2019) highlights how maladaptive traits, such as neuroticism and low self-esteem, significantly affect relationships. This challenges Bowlby’s theory of the Internal Working Model (IWM), which proposes that early attachment directly shapes future relationships. As a result, the validity of Bowlby’s theory is reduced, as these intervening variables complicate the claim of a straightforward causal link.
• Fearon and Roisman (2017) concluded that early attachment plays a significant role in predicting later attachment styles, emotional well-being, and attachment to one’s own children. Their findings suggest that securely attached infants experience notable advantages for future development, whereas insecure-avoidant attachment has only a mild negative impact on various aspects of development. However, disorganised attachment is strongly linked to later mental health disorders.
• This is a strength because it provides robust evidence that secure attachment in infancy promotes positive developmental outcomes, while disorganised attachment significantly increases the risk of mental health challenges. These findings emphasize the importance of fostering secure attachment during early childhood.
• However, not all evidence supports the idea of a strong link between early attachment and later development. For instance, the Regensburg longitudinal study followed 43 individuals from the age of one to 16, assessing attachment using the Adult Attachment Interview. The study found no evidence to support a close relationship between early attachment and the quality of later development. This is a limitation because it raises questions about the extent to which early attachment predicts later outcomes.
• Other factors may play a more significant role in shaping development, thereby reducing the validity of theories such as Bowlby’s Internal Working Model.
• One limitation of most research into the influence of attachment is that early attachment is often assessed retrospectively. Much of this research relies on self-report techniques, such as questionnaires and interviews, which are susceptible to social desirability bias. Participants may alter their responses to present themselves in a more favorable light, such as appearing to have healthier relationships. This creates issues of validity, as the data collected may not accurately reflect participants’ true experiences.
• Consequently, methodological flaws undermine the validity of conclusions about the influence of early attachment on later relationships.
• One limitation of most research into the influence of attachment is that it often relies on retrospective assessments of early attachment. Many studies in this area use self-report techniques, such as questionnaires and interviews, to gather information. However, these methods are prone to social desirability bias, as participants may alter their answers to present themselves in a more positive light, such as portraying healthier relationships than they truly experience.
• This introduces issues of validity, as the data may not accurately reflect participants’ early attachment experiences or their actual relationships. As a result, the methodological flaws reduce the reliability and validity of conclusions drawn about the impact of early attachment on later relationships.
• McCarthy’s (1999) study highlights the long-term impact of early attachment types on adult romantic relationships and friendships. The research involved assessing 40 adult women who had their attachment types classified during infancy. The findings revealed that individuals who were securely attached as infants generally had the most successful and fulfilling adult friendships and romantic relationships, supporting the idea that early secure attachment fosters positive relational behaviours later in life.
• In contrast, those who were classified as insecure-resistant in infancy encountered difficulties maintaining friendships, possibly due to overly dependent or argumentative behaviours. Similarly, individuals identified as insecure-avoidant in infancy struggled with intimacy in their romantic relationships, reflecting a tendency to avoid emotional closeness.
• These findings align with Bowlby’s internal working model, which suggests that early attachment experiences shape expectations and behaviors in later relationships. McCarthy’s study provides empirical support for the lasting influence of early attachment on adult relational outcomes.