The idea that there is consistency between early
emotional experiences and later relationships.
Based upon the internal working model.
Childhood Relationships
According to attachment theory, a child who
has a secure attachment style should be
more confident in interactions with friends.
Securely attached children unlikely to be
involved in bullying. Insecure avoidant most
likely to be victims and insecure resistant
were bullies.
Adult Relationships
Parenting Style
Intergenerational continuity between adults attachments and their
children. People tend to base their parenting style on the internal working
model so attachments tend to be passed on through generations.
Harlow's monkeys showed a link
between poor attachment and later
difficulties with parenting.
Romantic Relationships
The IWM influences a persons
expectation of later
relationships, thus affecting
their attitudes towards them.
Hazan and Shaver (1987) The Love Quiz - analysed 620
replies to a love quiz in a newspaper, assessing current
relationships and attachment types.
Secure - tended to have long lasting
relationships. Insecure - more difficult, tended
to divorce and believed love was rare. Avoidant - jealousy and fear of intimacy.
Evaluation
Strengths:
Supporting evidence. Early
attachment constantly predicts
later attachment, wellbeing and
attachment to own children.
Weaknesses:
Confounding variables. E.g parenting
style might affect attachment quality
and later development.
Early attachments were assessed
retrospectively. Asking questions relies on
honesty and accurate perception.