Discuss the effects of early attachment on later relationships. (16 Marks)
Achieved 16/16 marks.
Examiner commentary – “A clear, comprehensive and very articulate presentation. Theory and
research are embedded in an informed essay demonstrating in depth knowledge and
understanding.”
According to Bowlby’s (1969) theories of attachment, the internal working model is the
manifestation of our earliest attachment with our primary caregiver as a prototype or a template
for all later relationships formed; thus, it may be predicted how individuals’ relationships will be
impacted based on earlier attachment types. Social cognition, emotion regulation, relationship
dynamics and psychological well-being are all products of the internal working model.
Monotropic theory is, as suggested by Bowlby, an evolutionary theory of a biological
predisposition for a child to form an attachment with its primary caregiver, thus aiding natural
survival and ensuring the preservation of the mother’s gene pool. Furthermore, the maternal
deprivation hypothesis indicates that continual attachment disruption between the infant and
primary caregiver may result in long-term hindrance of social, cognitive and behavioural
competence. Correspondingly, Freud proposed the concept of a prototype, denoting that
formative experiences with the caregiver during childhood are manifested within each
developmental stage. In psychodynamic theory, childhood experiences shape disposition in
adulthood; this is demonstrated in Bretherton’s (1985) research, wherein children harbouring
insecure attachment types have a higher likelihood of exhibiting hostile behaviours and
displaying difficulties in social relationships. However, these demeanours are difficult to
operationalise, especially factoring in cultural differences wherein antisocial behaviour in one
region is praised as independence in another, resulting in variation between normative
attachment types. A Western model is not representative to all cultures, henceforth certain
research in this area is guilty of inherent Beta Bias and ethnocentrism. Gavin Bremner (1994)
denotes: “at least when considering attachment across cultures we should probably abandon the
notion that there is a single correct style of parenting.”
Hazen and Schavers’ love quiz (1987) conducted a study to collect information on participants’
attachment styles and consequent attitudes towards their current relationships. A relationship,
thus, was found between childhood attachment types and later adult relationships. Volunteer
samples were collected from a Canadian newspaper, using the first 620 replies for analysis; an
age range of 14 and 82 was displayed. Those securely attached as infants tended to have lasting
and meaningful relationships, whereas those insecurely attached found adult relationships
difficult to maintain with a high likelihood of divorce. It was believed by this group that love was
rare. However, the continuity hypothesis—early relationships with caregivers predict later
relationships in childhood—is criticised for its reductionism due to the assumption that those of
insecure attachment types would have poor quality adult relationships regardless of outliers.
Researchers have repeatedly found individuals with insecure attachment styles as children
Achieved 16/16 marks.
Examiner commentary – “A clear, comprehensive and very articulate presentation. Theory and
research are embedded in an informed essay demonstrating in depth knowledge and
understanding.”
According to Bowlby’s (1969) theories of attachment, the internal working model is the
manifestation of our earliest attachment with our primary caregiver as a prototype or a template
for all later relationships formed; thus, it may be predicted how individuals’ relationships will be
impacted based on earlier attachment types. Social cognition, emotion regulation, relationship
dynamics and psychological well-being are all products of the internal working model.
Monotropic theory is, as suggested by Bowlby, an evolutionary theory of a biological
predisposition for a child to form an attachment with its primary caregiver, thus aiding natural
survival and ensuring the preservation of the mother’s gene pool. Furthermore, the maternal
deprivation hypothesis indicates that continual attachment disruption between the infant and
primary caregiver may result in long-term hindrance of social, cognitive and behavioural
competence. Correspondingly, Freud proposed the concept of a prototype, denoting that
formative experiences with the caregiver during childhood are manifested within each
developmental stage. In psychodynamic theory, childhood experiences shape disposition in
adulthood; this is demonstrated in Bretherton’s (1985) research, wherein children harbouring
insecure attachment types have a higher likelihood of exhibiting hostile behaviours and
displaying difficulties in social relationships. However, these demeanours are difficult to
operationalise, especially factoring in cultural differences wherein antisocial behaviour in one
region is praised as independence in another, resulting in variation between normative
attachment types. A Western model is not representative to all cultures, henceforth certain
research in this area is guilty of inherent Beta Bias and ethnocentrism. Gavin Bremner (1994)
denotes: “at least when considering attachment across cultures we should probably abandon the
notion that there is a single correct style of parenting.”
Hazen and Schavers’ love quiz (1987) conducted a study to collect information on participants’
attachment styles and consequent attitudes towards their current relationships. A relationship,
thus, was found between childhood attachment types and later adult relationships. Volunteer
samples were collected from a Canadian newspaper, using the first 620 replies for analysis; an
age range of 14 and 82 was displayed. Those securely attached as infants tended to have lasting
and meaningful relationships, whereas those insecurely attached found adult relationships
difficult to maintain with a high likelihood of divorce. It was believed by this group that love was
rare. However, the continuity hypothesis—early relationships with caregivers predict later
relationships in childhood—is criticised for its reductionism due to the assumption that those of
insecure attachment types would have poor quality adult relationships regardless of outliers.
Researchers have repeatedly found individuals with insecure attachment styles as children
