The way internal working models are constructed ties in with parent-child attachment patterns defined by Ainsworth in her famous Strange Situation Test developed in 1979. How difficult or easy a child will find making friends within the school environment, a key component of adjustment, well-being and long-term academic success depends upon how the internal working model of the self and others has been constructed through attachment with the primary care giver. Insecure parent-child attachment can lead to difficulties forming peer relations leaving the children feeling rejected and unhappy while experiencing low self esteem. Criss et al (2002), gave further support to this view through the conducting of longitudinal research examining positive
