Attachment over time : perceived experiences from an attachment theory perspective

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the perceived experiences of attachment over time, and the extent to which one's attachment style was affected by the interaction with the caregivers. This dissertation is backed up with literature on the four attachment patterns proposed by Bartholomew. Prototypical descriptions, which were also put forward by Bartholomew were utilised, and questionnaires were conducted with four participants in this research, in order to explore the perceived experiences of one's life-long attachment history, and attitudes and behaviours in relationships. The information gathered from the interviews was analyzed qualitatively using thematic analysis, and three themes and seven sub-themes were brought out. From the results it was concluded that the quality of the participants' relationships with the caregivers left an immense affect on one's perceptions, attitudes and behaviours. It was observed that even though one's experience of relationships and perceptions of self and others may change with time, participants still displayed some traits of the predominant attachment pattern. Furthermore the results obtained from the interviews were discussed and linked with literature.