Internal working model

What is the continuity hypothesis according to Bowlby (1969)?

Later relationships are likely to continue early attachment styles (secure/insecure) because the infant’s primary attachment figure promotes an internal working model of relationships. This model leads the infant to expect similar patterns in future relationships.

What evidence supports the continuity hypothesis in childhood?

The Minnesota study (2005) followed participants from infancy to late adolescence and found:

• Securely attached children → higher social competence, less isolated, more popular.

• Insecurely attached children → lower social competence and peer difficulties.

What is the temperament hypothesis as an alternative explanation?

Infant temperament affects how parents respond, influencing attachment type. Later relationship outcomes may reflect temperament rather than early attachment.

• Example: Manlove et al. (2002) found fathers were less involved with infants who had a difficult temperament.

What was the aim of Hazan and Shaver (1987)?

To investigate if childhood attachment type predicts adult romantic relationships.

What was Hazan and Shaver’s method?

Placed a ‘love quiz’ in a newspaper measuring:

• Childhood attachment experiences

• Current attitudes and behaviours in romantic relationships

• Sample: 600+ American males and females

What were the adult attachment classifications and results in Hazan and Shaver’s study?

• Secure (56%) → balanced closeness and independence; believed in enduring love; less likely to divorce

• Insecure-avoidant (25%) → fearful of emotional closeness; believed love was short-lived

• Insecure-anxious/resistant (19%) → preoccupied with love; fell in love easily; struggled with satisfaction

Finding: Adult attachment types correlated with childhood attachment types, supporting the internal working model concept.

What is the key conclusion from Hazan and Shaver (1987)?

Adult relationships reflect early attachment types, confirming that parenting styles create an internal working model that influences long-term personality, attachment, and relationship behaviour.