Attachment theory Flashcards
(3 cards)
Attachment theory
Parasocial relationships can be linked to attachment problems in childhood(insecure-resistant attachment). Several characteristics of parasocial relationships are linked to attachment e.g. the protest at the loss of a
parasocial attachment figure is similar to separation protest seen in infants.
Bowlby noted that failure to attachment led
to problems later in life e.g. affectionless psychopath, poor internal working model of relationships, delinquency etc. People with childhood attachment problems form parasocial relationships to meet their need for
attachment/affection.
Attachment Theory eval (+)
+ Cole and Leets (1999) found that individuals with an insecure-resistant attachment style were more likely to engage in parasocial relationships with their favourite TV personality and insecure-avoidant individuals were the least likely to engage in parasocial relationships. This suggests there is a relationship between early attachment in childhood and adult parasocial relationships.
+ Research has found that 63% of stalkers experienced loss of a primary caregiver in childhood usually from parental separation. 50% reported childhood emotional, physical or sexual abuse from their primary caregivers. This supports the idea that disturbed attachment in childhood is related to extreme forms of parasocial relationships as an adult.
+ A study found that adults with insecure attachment types had positive attitudes to obsessive behaviours and stalking. Pathological attachment types tend to engage in stalking which implies stalking is related to childhood
attachment.
Attachment Theory eval (-)
- Research studies into the link between infant attachment type and parasocial relationships rely on particemories about their early lives in order to
assess their infant attachment style. Such recollections are likely to be flawed because our memories of the past are not always accurate, meaning the studies are not valid. - Parasocial relationships can be positive and not just about fulfilling attachment needs. For example, they allow a safe exploration of emotions.
