The purpose of this paper is to explore the psychological and cultural influences that help
shape how we think, feel, and behave. I will examine evidence that thoughts and emotions
are affected by parents, peers and societal expectations. I will then consider how these
influences might exist subconsciously and what can be done to modify subconscious
tendencies. Let’s begin with parental influences.
1a.Parents are an essential part of a child’s early
development as most of their early years are spent with the parent.A child’s parent
contributes to development cognitively; teaching children problem solving skills and other
traits they develop from observing their parents and also socio-culturally;providing children
with point of reference observe culturally accepted behaviors and interactions as they
develop those themselves . 1b.Attachment is the bond formed between a child and their
caregiver.Secure attachment is the term used to describe a healthy relationship between
children and their parent in which the child feels protected and secure with their caregiver,
allowing to develop confidence as they grow older.Erikson believed that the most important
goal of infancy is to develop a basic trust for one’s caregiver and those that are able to
develop that relationship are more likely to have more trusting relationships over the course
of their lives i.e; developing a secure attachment. Those that are unable develop that trust in a
their caregiver develop a mistrust in which may lead to being socially disengaged, anxiety
and a difficulties forming healthy relationships.1c.Insecure attachment occurs when the
attachment figure isnt available on a regular basis causing the child to develop insecurities
towards their relationship with others.Anxious and avoidant attachment are both insecure
attachment styles but with the differences being in the way they are expressed, individuals with an
anxious attachment style desire closeness and reassurance from their partner whilst those with an
avoidant style tend to reject neediness or demands for intimacy. Examples of these can be seen in
many relationship scenarios for instance: when it comes to communicating in relationships those with
an anxious attachment style express their emotions openly and intensely whilst avoidant styles have
strong boundaries and much rather have light hearted conversations than deep emotional ones.
1d. Though one can be influenced due to a genetic predisposition leading to them having an insecure
attachment type studies by Dymphna van den Boom’s (1994) show that despite children having those
dispositions, they still possess the capability to develop a secure attachment. It can therefore be
assumed that though genetics have an influence on a child’s attachment style , the relationship they
have with their parent has a morse significant impact;
shape how we think, feel, and behave. I will examine evidence that thoughts and emotions
are affected by parents, peers and societal expectations. I will then consider how these
influences might exist subconsciously and what can be done to modify subconscious
tendencies. Let’s begin with parental influences.
1a.Parents are an essential part of a child’s early
development as most of their early years are spent with the parent.A child’s parent
contributes to development cognitively; teaching children problem solving skills and other
traits they develop from observing their parents and also socio-culturally;providing children
with point of reference observe culturally accepted behaviors and interactions as they
develop those themselves . 1b.Attachment is the bond formed between a child and their
caregiver.Secure attachment is the term used to describe a healthy relationship between
children and their parent in which the child feels protected and secure with their caregiver,
allowing to develop confidence as they grow older.Erikson believed that the most important
goal of infancy is to develop a basic trust for one’s caregiver and those that are able to
develop that relationship are more likely to have more trusting relationships over the course
of their lives i.e; developing a secure attachment. Those that are unable develop that trust in a
their caregiver develop a mistrust in which may lead to being socially disengaged, anxiety
and a difficulties forming healthy relationships.1c.Insecure attachment occurs when the
attachment figure isnt available on a regular basis causing the child to develop insecurities
towards their relationship with others.Anxious and avoidant attachment are both insecure
attachment styles but with the differences being in the way they are expressed, individuals with an
anxious attachment style desire closeness and reassurance from their partner whilst those with an
avoidant style tend to reject neediness or demands for intimacy. Examples of these can be seen in
many relationship scenarios for instance: when it comes to communicating in relationships those with
an anxious attachment style express their emotions openly and intensely whilst avoidant styles have
strong boundaries and much rather have light hearted conversations than deep emotional ones.
1d. Though one can be influenced due to a genetic predisposition leading to them having an insecure
attachment type studies by Dymphna van den Boom’s (1994) show that despite children having those
dispositions, they still possess the capability to develop a secure attachment. It can therefore be
assumed that though genetics have an influence on a child’s attachment style , the relationship they
have with their parent has a morse significant impact;
