The argument given in the textbook is that children form an "internal working model" of human interactions based on their attachment to their caregiver. Children with a secure attachment to their caregiver learn that such relationships are gratifying and expect similar gratification from reltionships in their future life, leading them to form better attachments when they grow up.
An alternative explanation for the continuation of attachment patterns is that there is some underlying personality trait (possibly genetic) that allows people to make secure attachments. For example, the extent to which people are able to trust others may have an underlying genetic cause which in turn influences relationships throughout life.
This is a good perspective that I had not thought about. This will definitely affect how well the child interacts with the parents and future relationships with other people. I would think that this would be even an even greater effect on well-being in the future than the lack of secure attachment during childhood.
-- Edited by 102intro on Wednesday 9th of November 2011 10:55:27 AM
