Influence of early attachment on later relationships

    Cards (5)

    • Explain the continuity hypothesis
      -A child whose first experience of a loving relationship with a reliable caregiver will assume that is how relationships should be
      -They will seek out 'functional' relationships and behave functionally within them
      -A child with bad experiences with their attachment will bring these bad experiences to bear on later relationships
      They may struggle to form relationships in the first place, or they may not behave appropriately if they have them
    • Describe Youngblade and Belsky's research into influence of attachment on childhood relationships

      1992
      • Found 3-5 year olds who were securely attached were more curious, competent, self confident and got along better with other children and were more likely to form strong friendships
    • Describe Myron-Wilson and Smith's research into influence of attachment on childhood relationships
      1998
      • Found bullying behaviour could be predicted by attachment type
      • Securely attached children were unlikely to be involved in bullying
      • Insecure avoidant were most likely to be the victims
      • Insecure resistant were most likely to be the bullies
    • Describe research into influence of attachment on adult relationships
      Hazan and Shaver (1987)
      • A 'love quiz' was printed in a local newspaper
      • 620 replies were analysed, 205 male and 415 female
      • They were asked questions about attitudes toward love and relationships
      • Also asked questions about childhood relationships with parents
    • Describe the findings of Hazan and Shaver
      Secure = 56% = happy and trusting adult relationship experiences
      Insecure avoidant = 25% = jealousy and strong feelings in adult relationships
      Insecure resistant = 19% = obsessive, craving intimacy and extreme jealousy in adult relationships