The influence of early attachment on childhood and adult relationships.

Question 1

How do early attachments effect adult relationships?

Answer 1

Through our internal working model, we have a mental representation of relationships and what to expect. Through the continuity hypothesis, we carry these ideas into our adult life.

Question 2

Give evidence for the influence of early attachments to childhood relationships…

Answer 2

Simpson et al (2007) participants rated as having secure attachments as infants rated as having higher social competence as children and closer to their friends at age 16.

Question 3

Give evidence for the influence of early attachments to adult relationships…

Answer 3

-Simpson et al (2007) participants securely attached as infants were more expressive and were emotionally attached to their romantic partners.

Question 4

Evaluate the influence of early attachment on adult relationships.

Answer 4

• self report has reliability issues.
• concept is oversimplified, adult attachment may not be stable.
• concept is too deterministic.