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Attachment — Previous Year Questions

📊 Overview​

  • Frequency: 4 questions | Papers: 4/27 | 🟢 Low Priority
  • Most common: Types of attachment patterns (Section C short note)

📝 Short Note — Types of Attachment Patterns (100 words / 3 marks)​

Attachment is the deep emotional bond between an infant and caregiver, described by Bowlby (1969) as a biological survival mechanism. Ainsworth's Strange Situation experiment (1970) identified four attachment patterns:

  1. Secure attachment: Distressed when caregiver leaves, quickly soothed on return; associated with sensitive caregiving
  2. Anxious-Ambivalent (Resistant): Highly distressed; not easily soothed; conflicting approach-avoidance behaviour toward caregiver
  3. Avoidant: Shows little distress; ignores caregiver on return; often linked to emotionally unresponsive caregiving
  4. Disorganised: No consistent strategy; chaotic responses; associated with frightening/abusive caregiving

Secure attachment in infancy predicts healthier emotional and social outcomes in later childhood and adulthood.

📝 Section B Answer — Attachment Patterns and Romantic Relationships (250 words)​

Bowlby's attachment theory proposes that the early bond between infant and caregiver creates an internal working model — a mental template of relationships that guides future social and romantic interactions.

Ainsworth's Four Attachment Patterns (see short note above for brief descriptions).

Attachment in Adulthood

Hazan and Shaver (1987) applied attachment theory to adult romantic relationships, identifying three parallel styles:

  • Secure (approximately 55%): Comfortable with intimacy and interdependence; positive view of self and others
  • Anxious-Preoccupied: Worried about partner's love; jealous; needs constant reassurance
  • Dismissive-Avoidant: Values independence; uncomfortable with closeness; suppresses attachment needs

Longitudinal research shows that secure attachment in infancy predicts more satisfying, stable romantic relationships in adulthood, though later experiences can modify attachment patterns.

Related Content:

📅 Key Previous Year Questions​

  • 2024-June: Types of attachment patterns (Section C)
  • 2024-December: Types of attachment patterns (Section C)
  • Attachment patterns and romantic relationships in adulthood

💡 Exam Tips​

  • This topic almost exclusively appears as a Section C short note — the 100-word version is what you need
  • Always name all four Ainsworth patterns (secure, anxious-ambivalent, avoidant, disorganised)
  • If asked about attachment in adulthood, add Hazan and Shaver's adult attachment styles