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Rachel is a social worker who has worked with James for over 20 years - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 13 - 2018 - Paper 2
Question 13
Rachel is a social worker who has worked with James for over 20 years. She has noticed that the attachment James had with his mother when he was young has affected h... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Rachel is a social worker who has worked with James for over 20 years - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 13 - 2018 - Paper 2
Step 1
Discuss Bowlby’s theory of the internal working model
Answer
Bowlby’s internal working model suggests that early attachments significantly shape adult personality and relationships. When a child has a loving and sensitive interaction with their mother, these experiences become ingrained in their memories, acting as a reference for future interactions.
For James, if his mother was nurturing, these positive experiences would facilitate healthier adult relationships. Such warm memories may support his ability to form romantic connections and secure attachments with partners and children.
Moreover, if James was provided with a safe base during his childhood, it likely enhances his resilience and competence in facing new situations as an adult. Hence, his early attachment experiences directly influence how he navigates relationships in later life.
Step 2
Explain James’s adult personality based on his early attachment
Answer
James’s adult personality has been shaped by his early attachment to his mother. A nurturing bond would contribute positively to his self-esteem and approach to relationships. If he experienced a loving and sensitive maternal figure, these memories might underpin his interactions with others, fostering a sense of security in his romantic relationships and parenthood.
Conversely, any lack of support during formative years could lead to struggles in relationships, possibly resulting in insecurity or avoidance in adult interactions. Thus, the principle of the internal working model supports the idea that James’s early experiences have directly impacted his ability to relate to partners and his own children.