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PsychologyAQA (7182)Developmental Psychology

Attachment Theory — AQA A-Level Psychology

AQA A-Level Psychology

Attachment is a core topic in AQA A-Level Psychology (Paper 1). This interactive tool covers caregiver-infant interactions (reciprocity and interactional synchrony), stages of attachment (Schaffer & Emerson), Bowlby's monotropic theory (internal working model, critical period, continuity hypothesis), Ainsworth's Strange Situation (secure, insecure-avoidant, insecure-resistant attachment types), cultural variations in attachment, and the effects of early deprivation (Romanian orphan studies — Rutter and the ERA study). Build AO3 evaluation chains and practise application scenarios aligned to AQA mark schemes.

Uses Google Fonts (Fraunces, DM Sans). Requires an internet connection for full styling.

Frequently asked questions

What is Bowlby's internal working model?+
Bowlby's internal working model is a mental template formed from the infant's first attachment relationship. It acts as a schema for future relationships — a securely attached child develops a positive internal working model (expects others to be trustworthy and responsive), which influences adult romantic relationships (the continuity hypothesis).
What are the three attachment types identified by Ainsworth?+
Ainsworth's Strange Situation (1970) identified three types: Type A (insecure-avoidant) — child shows little distress at separation and avoids caregiver on reunion; Type B (secure) — child is distressed at separation but easily comforted on reunion; Type C (insecure-resistant) — child is very distressed at separation and shows ambivalent behaviour on reunion (seeking and rejecting comfort).

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