Internal Working Model

Question 1

AO1: Internal working model

Answer 1

Bowlby argues that the child forms a mental representation (schema) of their early attachment relationship with their primary caregiver. This acts as a model for what relationships are like and future relationships will mirror them. If the child has a loving primary caregiver who responds to their needs they will have a secure attachment and view they relationship as positive and will have more successful future relationships. If they have a relationship with a caregiver who is unresponsive they are more likely to have an insecure attachment and have problems forming relationships and may not behave appropriately in them e.g. arguing more and being controlling. This mental representation of early attachment influence the nature of all later childhood and adult relationships but also their relationship with their own children.

Question 2

AO1: Influence of the internal working model on childhood relationships

Answer 2

Attachment type is linked to the quality of peer relationships in later childhood. If a child has secure attachment to their primary caregiver they are more likely to have better quality relationship with their peers. However if they have an insecure attachment to their primary caregiver they are more likely to have difficulties making friends. Smith et al found this early attachment could predict bullying behaviour with insecure avoidant children are more likely to be victims of bullying and insecure resistant child are more likely to be the bully.

Question 3

AO1: Influence of the internal working model on adult romantic relationships

Answer 3

Research has shown that internal working model can influence adult relationships. Hazen and Shaver created a questionnaire, The Love Quiz, which was printed in newspapers to study a persons adult attachment and their attachment in childhood. They found