Attachment Theory: The Continuity Hypothesis

Level: AS Levels, A Level, GCSE – Exam Boards: Edexcel, AQA, OCR, WJEC, IB, Eduqas – Psychology Revision Notes

Attachment Theory: The Continuity Hypothesis

• The continuity hypothesis – the attachment type you develop in childhood (secure / insecure) will continue into later relationships.

INTERNAL WORKING MODEL

• Forms a model / template for all future relationships
• There is consistency between early emotional experiences and later relationships

REALTIONSHIPS IN LATER CHILDHOOD

• Attachment type is associated with the quality of peer relationships in childhood
• Securely attached – form the best quality friendships
• Insecurely attached – struggle to form strong relationships

Myron-Wilson and Smith (1998)

• Found that insecure-avoidant infants are most likely to be bullied
• Also found that ­insecure resistant infants are most likely to be bullies

CHILDHOOD RELATIONSHIPS

• There is continuity between attachment style and quality of childhood relationships
• Child who form attachments with each other early in life tend to not go onto form adult sexual relationships later

Youngblade

– found that 3–5-year-olds who were securely attached were more curious, competent, empathetic, resilient, and self-confident. They also got along better with other children and were more likely to form close friendships.

Mullis

– reported that in late childhood, attachments that are made to peers reflect those made to parents infantly

Westermarck

– reported that children who form close friendships in the first six years of life, do not generally go onto form adult sexual relationships with each other. Early attachments do not affect childhood and adult relationships

CHILDHOOD EVALUATIONS

Quick Fire Questions – Knowledge Check

1. Explain what the ‘Continuity Hypothesis’ is (4 marks)

2. Explain what the ‘Internal Working Model’ is (4 marks)

3. With the use of a case study, discuss how relationships formed at an early age affect relationships formed at a later stage (8 marks)

4. Discuss the arguments for and against the ‘Continuity Hypothesis’ (8 marks)