Discuss the influence of early attachment on childhood and adult relationships.
Updated: 6 days ago
Question 10 Mark Scheme
Discuss the influence of early attachment on childhood and adult relationships. Refer to the internal working model in your answer.
[16 marks]
What is expected in the answer?
The command word “discuss” requires students to explain how early attachment may influence later relationships and then evaluate the evidence for this proposed continuity. Because the question specifies both childhood and adult relationships, a strong answer should address both, rather than concentrating exclusively on romantic relationships or childhood friendships.
The internal working model (IWM) must be explained and used as the mechanism linking early attachment with later relationships. This is explicitly required by the current specification.
Marks for this question: AO1 = 6, AO3 = 10
As this is an original 16-mark discussion question without application, an appropriate allocation is AO1 = 6 and AO3 = 10. Previous questions have separately assessed childhood and adult relationships, with both mark schemes emphasising the IWM, supporting or contradictory evidence, methodological issues and problems establishing cause and effect.
Level | Marks | Description |
4 | 13–16 | Knowledge of how early attachment may influence childhood and adult relationships is accurate and generally well detailed. The role of the internal working model is clearly explained. Discussion is thorough and effective, using relevant research and theoretical or methodological issues. Both childhood and adult relationships are considered. The answer is clear, coherent and focused, with effective use of specialist terminology. |
3 | 9–12 | Knowledge of the influence of early attachment is evident, including some understanding of the internal working model. Both childhood and adult relationships are addressed, although one may be better developed. Discussion is mostly effective but may contain occasional inaccuracies or undeveloped points. |
2 | 5–8 | Limited knowledge is present. The response may focus mainly on either childhood or adult relationships, or describe studies without clearly explaining the role of early attachment. Discussion is only partly effective. |
1 | 1–4 | Knowledge is very limited or muddled. The internal working model may be inaccurately described or absent. There is little effective discussion of the influence of early attachment on later relationships. |
0 | 0 | No relevant content. |
Indicative content
AO1: The internal working model
Credit relevant knowledge such as:
Bowlby proposed that the infant’s first attachment produces an internal working model.
The IWM is a mental representation or schema of relationships.
It provides a blueprint or prototype for expectations about:
the self
other people
relationships.
A secure early attachment may create expectations that:
other people are dependable
relationships are safe
the individual is worthy of care.
An insecure early attachment may create less positive expectations.
These expectations may influence:
friendships during childhood
peer relationships
romantic relationships
later parenting.
The 2024 mark scheme describes the IWM as a blueprint for later relationships and states that a secure first attachment may promote successful relationships with peers, romantic partners and one's own children.
Continuity hypothesis
Credit relevant knowledge such as:
The continuity hypothesis proposes consistency between early attachment and later relationships.
Securely attached infants would therefore be expected to have more successful later relationships.
Want to read more?
Subscribe to revision-notes.com to keep reading this exclusive post.