The continuity of early and late attachment styles has been widely studied and debated for many years. Attachment history has been shown to affect the capacity for emotional regulation, the growth of self-reliance and the emergence of social competence, and is believed to explain the origins of social and emotional behaviour (Sroufe, 2005; Lewis, Feiring & Rosenthal, 2000). Because of these impacts, developmental psychologists have sought to determine if there is continuity between infant and adult attachment styles and what factors influence this change or continuity. From this research two opposing theories have been developed. The first from Bowlby, describes attachment styles as stable across time and only open to change after the experience
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Conversely, others argue that attachment styles are evolving and updated in light of experiences (Fraley, 2002). In this essay it will be argued that attachment styles are evolving and are open to change after the first year of life.
Attachment seeks to explain aspects of the origins of social and emotional behaviour (Sroufe, 2005). Bowlby suggested that during infancy, humans develop expectations and beliefs, what he called internal working models, of themselves, others and the world based on their interactions with their primary caregivers (Hamilton, 2000). If caregivers are generally responsive, warm and consistently available, the child learns that others can be counted on in times of needs and develops what is termed a secure working model of attachment (Fraley, 2002). If however the caregiver is cold, rejecting unpredictable or insensitive, the child learns that others cannot be relied upon for support and comfort and thus he or she will develop an insecure or anxious working model of attachment (Fraley, 2002). During childhood these internal …show more content…
Further research into the mechanism through which experience leads to change in attachment styles and the mechanisms of attachment stability should be investigated to deepen the understanding of this complex
Conversely, others argue that attachment styles are evolving and updated in light of experiences (Fraley, 2002). In this essay it will be argued that attachment styles are evolving and are open to change after the first year of life.
Attachment seeks to explain aspects of the origins of social and emotional behaviour (Sroufe, 2005). Bowlby suggested that during infancy, humans develop expectations and beliefs, what he called internal working models, of themselves, others and the world based on their interactions with their primary caregivers (Hamilton, 2000). If caregivers are generally responsive, warm and consistently available, the child learns that others can be counted on in times of needs and develops what is termed a secure working model of attachment (Fraley, 2002). If however the caregiver is cold, rejecting unpredictable or insensitive, the child learns that others cannot be relied upon for support and comfort and thus he or she will develop an insecure or anxious working model of attachment (Fraley, 2002). During childhood these internal …show more content…
Further research into the mechanism through which experience leads to change in attachment styles and the mechanisms of attachment stability should be investigated to deepen the understanding of this complex