Attachment Theory: The Impact of Early Relationships on Adult Relationships and Parenting

Attachment Theory: The Impact of Early Relationships on Adult Relationships and Parenting

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to understand the impact of early relationships on adult relationships and parenting and evaluate evidence related to attachment theory.

Introduce the learning objective of the lesson.

What do you already know about the impact of childhood relationships on adult relationships and parenting?

Attachment Theory

Attachment theory suggests that early relationships with primary caregivers impact later relationships and parenting.

Introduce attachment theory and its main idea.

Internal Working Model

Bowlby's theory of the internal working model suggests that primary attachment relationships serve as a template for later relationships.

Explain Bowlby's theory of the internal working model and its significance.

Types of Adult Relationships

Hazan and Shaver's research identified three types of adult relationships: secure, insecure-avoidant, and insecure-resistant.

Explain Hazan and Shaver's research on adult relationships and the types identified.

Links with Ainsworth's Types

Hazan and Shaver's types are linked to Ainsworth's types of secure, insecure-avoidant, and insecure-resistant.

Explain the connection between Hazan and Shaver's types and Ainsworth's types.

Adult Attachment Interview

The adult attachment interview (Main et al) evaluates the continuity between early attachment type and adult classification/behaviours.

Explain the adult attachment interview and its purpose.

Research into Parenting

Research has shown that early attachment experiences also impact parenting, as seen in Bailey et al's (2007) and Harlow's (1966) studies.

Explain how early attachment experiences also impact parenting and give examples of studies that support this idea.

Continuity of Attachment Type

Research by Main (1985), Hazan and Shaver (1987), and Bailey et al (2007) suggests continuity of attachment type from childhood into adulthood and across generations.

Explain research that supports the continuity of attachment type and give examples of studies.

Counter-evidence

Some studies suggest that children can recover from deprivation/privation and form effective adult relationships.

Explain studies that contradict the continuity of attachment type and give examples.

Implications of Findings

Findings related to continuity raise implications about determinism and the importance of early relationships.

Explain the implications of findings related to continuity.

Practical Implications

Findings related to attachment theory have practical implications for relationship stability in adulthood.

Explain the practical implications of findings related to attachment theory.

Cause and Effect

Research that shows a link between early attachment and later relationships cannot establish causality.

Explain the issue of cause and effect and its relevance to attachment theory research.

Validity of Measures

Measures of attachment used to discuss the influence of early attachments on later relationships may have limitations in validity.

Explain the validity of measures of attachment and their relevance to attachment theory research.

Ethical Issues

The use of the adult attachment interview raises ethical issues related to privacy and confidentiality.

Explain the ethical issues related to the use of the adult attachment interview.

Discussion Point 1

What evidence supports or challenges Bowlby's internal working model?

Introduce the first discussion point and ask the question.

Discussion Point 2

What evidence supports or contradicts continuity of attachment type from childhood into adulthood and across generations?

Introduce the second discussion point and ask the question.

Discussion Point 3

What counter-evidence suggests that children can recover from deprivation/privation and form effective adult relationships?

Introduce the third discussion point and ask the question.

Discussion Point 4

What are the practical implications of findings related to attachment theory?

Introduce the fourth discussion point and ask the question.

Discussion Point 5

What are the ethical issues related to the use of the adult attachment interview?

Introduce the fifth discussion point and ask the question.

Summary

Attachment theory suggests that early relationships impact later relationships and parenting. Research has identified types of adult relationships and evaluated continuity of attachment type. Findings raise implications and practical considerations, but also highlight limitations in validity and causality. Ethical issues are also relevant.

Summarize the main points covered in the lesson.

Reflection

Reflect on what you have learned and identify any questions or areas of interest for further exploration.

Prompt students to reflect on what they have learned and encourage them to ask questions or identify areas of interest for further exploration.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.