Internal working model is a mental model providing individuals with expectations about their relationships. This is based on early relationships with the primary caregiver.
Continuity hypothesis is the idea that infants who are strongly attached in infancy continue to be socially and emotionally contempt, whereas infants who are not and have social and emotional difficulties in childhood and adulthood.
Hazan and Shaver (1987): Testing the Internal Working Model
Aim
To test the internal working model by looking at the association between early attachment and adult relationships.
Procedure
- They placed a love quiz in a local newspaper asking questions about
- Current and most important relationship
- Attachment history/type
- Assessed by questions focusing on attituded towards love
620 responses: 205 men, 415 women
Findings
- 56% identified secure-attached
- Reported good and longer romantic experiences
- Described their love experiences as happy, friendly and trusting
- 25% identified insecure-avoidant
- Jealousy and fear of intimacy
- 19% identified insecure-resistant
- Insecurity and clinginess
Resistant - bully, avoidant - victim