Question

According to Hazan and Shaver (1987): A. romantic relationships in adulthood follow the same form as attachment relationships in infancy. B. those who had ambivalent attachments in infancy are doomed never to fall in love as adults. C. those who had avoidant attachments in infancy often overcompensate by becoming excessively intimate in their adult love relationships. D. all of the above.

Short answer

A) Romantic relationships in adulthood follow the same form as attachment relationships in infancy. B) Those who had ambivalent attachments in infancy are doomed never to fall in love as adults. C) Those who had avoidant attachments in infancy often overcompensate by becoming excessively intimate in their adult love relationships. D) All of the above statements are correct. Answer: A) Romantic relationships in adulthood follow the same form as attachment relationships in infancy.

Step-by-step solution

Understand Hazan and Shaver's research

Hazan and Shaver's research focused on the relationship between attachment styles in infancy and adult romantic relationships. They proposed that the bond between infants and their caregivers serves as a foundation for later adult relationships.

Evaluate Statement A

Hazan and Shaver argued that the attachment patterns formed during infancy often resurface in adult romantic relationships. Statement A states that "romantic relationships in adulthood follow the same form as attachment relationships in infancy." This aligns with the main conclusion of their research. Thus, statement A is correct.

Evaluate Statement B

Statement B states that "those who had ambivalent attachments in infancy are doomed never to fall in love as adults." This assertion is not accurate, as their research does not imply that individuals with ambivalent attachments in infancy are incapable of experiencing love as adults. It suggests that their attachment pattern may affect their relationships, but it doesn't imply that they will never fall in love. Therefore, Statement B is incorrect.

Evaluate Statement C

Statement C states, "those who had avoidant attachments in infancy often overcompensate by becoming excessively intimate in their adult love relationships." Hazan and Shaver's research does not support this statement. Their findings indicate that people with avoidant attachments in infancy tend to have difficulty trusting and being close to others in their adult relationships, rather than becoming excessively intimate. Hence, Statement C is incorrect.

Evaluate Statement D

Statement D suggests that all of the above statements (A, B, C) are correct. As we have examined each statement and found that B and C are incorrect, Statement D is also incorrect.

Conclusion

After evaluating each statement, we can conclude that the correct answer to this exercise is Statement A: "romantic relationships in adulthood follow the same form as attachment relationships in infancy," according to Hazan and Shaver's (1987) research.

Key concepts

Hazan and Shaver Attachment Research

Cindy Hazan and Phillip Shaver's groundbreaking research in the late 1980s revolutionized the way we understand the impact of early attachment on adult romantic relationships. They explored the idea that the emotional bonds we form as infants with our primary caregivers set the stage for the patterns of attachment we exhibit in adulthood. Drawing from the seminal work of John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth on attachment theory, Hazan and Shaver posited that those early experiences influence how we connect with romantic partners later in life.

Through a well-known 'Love Quiz' advertised in a local newspaper, they collected data from participants, which revealed three dominant attachment styles that were similar to those identified in infancy: secure, avoidant, and anxious/ambivalent. This innovative research affirmed that adults with secure attachment styles tend to have healthy, trusting relationships, while those with avoidant or anxious styles may experience challenges in forming and maintaining intimate relationships. Their work has profoundly influenced both psychological thought and practical approaches to therapy.

Infant-Caregiver Attachment Styles

The concept of attachment styles originates from observations made on the behavior of infants when separated and reunited with their primary caregivers. The psychologist Mary Ainsworth, through her 'Strange Situation' experiment, categorized these styles into three main types: secure, anxious-ambivalent, and avoidant.

• Secure attachment is characterized by infants showing distress when separated from their caregivers, but they are quickly comforted upon their return. These children feel safe and are able to explore their environment, knowing they can rely on their caregiver for support.
• Anxious-ambivalent attachment manifests as intense distress upon separation and ambivalence upon the caregiver's return; these children may seek comfort yet also resist it because they cannot rely on their caregiver's response.
• Avoidant attachment is seen in infants who exhibit little to no distress when separated from their caregivers and avoid contact upon their return, often a result of consistently unresponsive caregiving.

Understanding these attachment styles is crucial as they provide a blueprint for subsequent emotional relationships, including the patterns adults display in their close romantic partnerships.

Adult Romantic Attachment Patterns

Attachment theory has extended beyond infant-caregiver relationships to provide insights into adult romantic attachment patterns. These patterns often echo the infant attachment styles observed by Ainsworth and later expanded by Hazan and Shaver, suggesting a developmental continuity from childhood into adult life.

Adults with secure attachment styles usually have positive views of themselves and their partners, leading to stable and satisfying relationships. Similarly, those with anxious attachment may be preoccupied with their relationships, seeking constant reassurance and displaying a heightened sensitivity to any signs of rejection. On the other hand, adults with avoidant attachment patterns often maintain emotional distance, struggle with intimacy, and may prioritize their independence above the relationship.

Recognizing these attachment patterns can be incredibly valuable in understanding and improving romantic relationships. It aids in identifying behaviors that might be rooted in early attachment experiences and provides a framework for developing healthier coping strategies and more adaptive relational patterns.