Influence of Early Attachment on Relationships

Introduction

• Key Concept: Attachment to caregivers in early life influences future relationships.
• Attachment Theory (John Bowlby): Internal Working Model
  • Internal: Inside the mind.
  • Working: Used in relating to others.
  • Model: Template for future relationships.

Early Attachment Types (Ainsworth's Strange Situation)

• Secure Attachment: Sensitive and responsive caregiving leads to safe and loved feeling.
• Insecure Avoidant Attachment: Unresponsive care leading to emotional distance.
• Insecure Resistant Attachment: Inconsistent care leading to needy, anxious behavior.

Impact on Different Aspects of Life

Friendships

• Research by Katherine Kerns (1994):
  • Securely attached children have better friendships and cooperation skills.
  • Insecurely attached children face difficulties forming and maintaining friendships.
  • Insecure attachment linked to higher anxiety levels.

Romantic Relationships

• Hazan and Shaver (1987): Love Quiz study
  • Positive correlation between early attachment and adult romantic experiences.
  • Secure: Longer-lasting relationships and belief in enduring love.
  • Insecure Avoidant: Fear of closeness, belief love doesn't last.
  • Insecure Resistant: Needy for love, falls in love easily.

Parenting

• Harry Harlow (1966): Study on monkeys
  • Lack of early attachment causes social interaction issues.
  • "Motherless monkeys" struggled as mothers due to lack of model.
• Bailey et al. (2007): Human study
  • Poor attachment to one’s mother leads to poor attachment with their child.
  • Both studies show limits due to correlation and potential biases.

Limitations of Research

• Correlational Nature: Cannot establish cause and effect.
• Potential Biases:
  • Subjectivity in self-reports.
  • Social desirability influences responses.
  • Retrospective data may be inaccurate.

Change in Internal Working Model

• Romanian Orphans Study (Rutter, 2010): Early adoption can reverse negative effects.
• Koluchová Twins (1976):
  • Recovery from poor early model through supportive environment.
  • Successful adult relationships despite early deprivation.

Conclusion

• Early attachment has significant influence, but the internal working model is not fixed.
• Future research can explore other psychological topics such as abnormality and mental disorders.