Effects of Internal Working Model on Future Relationships

A01

Working Memory Model:

Woking memory model is the idea that the quality of attachment between the infant and their primary caregiver shapes the infant's perception of what a relationship should be like in the future.

Peer Relationships in Childhood

The internal working model can affect their behaviour between other children. E.g. bullying

Study -> Myron-Wilson and Smith 

Procedures:

196 primary school pupils aged 7-11 in London -> given a questionnaire.

Findings: 

• securely attached pupils - unlikely to be involved in bullying
• insecurely-avoidant attached pupils - more likely to be victims
• insecurely-resistant attached pupils - more likely to be bullies

Adult Relationships

McCarthy

Looked at the effects of internal working model on adult relationships

Procedures:

40 women -> attachment type established at infancy and then interviewed them to study their current relationships

Findings:

• Secure attachment -> best relationships an dfriendships
• Avoidant attachment -> problems with relationships
• …