A qualitative study exploring how adult perceptions of significant others in their lives have affected their development using thematic analysis.

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A qualitative study exploring how adult perceptions of significant others in their lives have affected their development using thematic analysis.

Abstract

This study explored a social constructionist perspective of lifespan development. In particular, the researcher examined attachment theory whereby individual’s attachments developed with significant others during childhood can in some way influence patterns of their later adult relationships. A qualitative, textual analysis was performed on a pre-existing film of edited extracts from a semi-structured interview. The thematic analysis illustrated how adult perceptions of development were affected by enduring childhood relationship experiences with significant others; these mental representations contributed to being a consistent psychological characteristic in the adult’s social relations.

Introduction

Development constitutes the essence of human Life. Lifespan psychology attempts to identify continuities in patterns of growth, stability and change in behaviour across the life course. Differing psychological perspectives explore the interplay between biology and culture on internal and external levels of influence underlying the developmental processes. Explanations are distinguished by interindividual similarities, differences and plasticity between experiences at one point and behaviour later in life. Many theories contribute to particular aspects of development suggesting adulthood is the product of childhood. Attachment theory underpinned this study exploring how interpersonal relationships affect development.

Attachment involves our primary psychological need to connect with other people (Bowlby; as cited in DSE212 Course team, 2007, p.190). As such, our characteristic styles in approaching relationships are developed particularly through repeated interactions in early child-parent relationships. The emotional bond from this vertical, primary attachment relationship affects infant security needs based on availability and responsiveness (Ainsworth, Blehar, Waters and Wall; as cited in Wood et al., 2002, pp.30-1). Therefore, attachment theory underlines aims of biological survival and psychological security. From this, the infant develops an internal working model containing expectations built upon representations of the self, the ‘mother figure’ and their relationship (Bowlby; as cited in DSE212 Course team, 2007, p.317). As such, the infant behaves in ways consistent with expectations creating stability. The established working model thus unconsciously endures to be projected in adult social relations. To this effect, how adults describe childhood experiences with parents mirrors their attachment style (Main, Kaplan and Cassidy; as cited in Wood et al., 2002, p.26). Furthermore, evidence suggests adults emotional reactions, similar to experiences in childhood may be triggered if new acquaintances are similar to parents (Chen and Andersen; Andersen and Miranda; as cited in Stevens, 2002, p.184). However, horizontal relationships can influence development, older siblings may possess complementary elements more typically associated with adults (Freud and Dann; Schaffer; as cited in Wood et al., 2002, p.8).

Nonetheless, Ainsworth gauged infant attachment through ‘maternal deprivation’ experiments known as Strange Situation type (SST). Her tripartite classification described a ‘secure style’ defined by availability and trust, an ‘avoidant style’ characterized by insecurity and emotional distancing with an ‘anxious-ambivalent style’ portraying desire for intimacy though insecure about others' responses (Ainsworth, Blehar, Waters and Wall; as cited in Wood et al., 2002, p.30). Similarly, Hazan and Shaver’s ‘love quiz’ examined attachment in adults using SST classification finding participants self-reports describing parent-child relationships extended to adult attachment type (AAT) (as cited in Wood et al., 2002, p.25).

With stable childhood, SST may predict AAT but in less stable developmental pathways life events are important (Hamilton; Zimmerman et al.; as cited in Wood et al., 2002, p.33). Furthermore, AAT has been associated with positive marital relationships whereby ‘earned secure’ can be attained in adulthood (Rutter, Quinton, & Hill; Main and Goldwyn; as cited in Wood et al., 2002, p.27). Therefore, no one factor fully determines AAT and research has focused on the mother’s AAT influencing their infant’s SST. Van Ijzendoorn’s meta-analysis suggests AAT predicts mothers’ behaviour towards their infants and points to a route by which attachment security might be transmitted (as cited in Wood et al., 2002, p.34). However, it is possible these findings are over-generalised patterns of particular cultures (Shaffer; as cited in Wood et al., 2002, p.19).

Research has focused almost exclusively on infant-mother relationships and ignored male influences. This study aimed to address this, using thematic analysis of a filmed semi structured interview and transcript, the interviewee’s viewpoint was explored. Underpinned by attachment theory, the research question asked was: ‘How do adults perceive that significant others in their lives have affected their development?’

Method

The researcher, a psychology student at The Open University, analysed pre-existing, edited extracts of a filmed, semi-structured interview (The OU, 2007). An interview transcript, with each line numbered in sequential order, provided an analysis framework (The OU, 2011). The interview method was chosen because the social constructionist approach suggested the world is constructed in language. Therefore, its ontology saw that people can reflect on their experiences through talk. The interviewee, a married, thirty-five year old man, originally from Yemen was recruited by The Open University. It was ensured ethical principles of informed consent, confidentiality and anonymity conformed to the BPS Code of Conduct (DSE212 Course team, 2007, p.319-20). The interview began by briefing the interviewee about the research and the ‘right of withdrawal’. At the end, the interviewee was debriefed and ‘informed consent’ obtained. Afterwards, the data was transcribed for thematic analysis. Initially, reference to film generated notes on the overall story and non-verbal communication (see Appendix 1). In first order coding, descriptive, recurrent topics in the transcript were categorised by lines of dialogue having ‘bold’ abbreviated codes (see Appendix 2). Carrying out second order coding, descriptive interpretations were organised into superordinate constructs. Third order coding then drew out the overarching themes of the interview.

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Analysis

On reviewing the material and considering the research question: ‘How do adults perceive that significant others in their lives have affected their development?’ a number of themes emerge:

  1. Culture and responsibility

Assan acknowledged cultural influences on early experiences in describing a collectivist, first-person-plural perspective [line 69]; identifying religious background [line 33], significance of parental roles [lines 20-25] and responsibility of the eldest sibling [lines 50-55]:

‘… the father would be the first person that you would seek guidance from, he’d be your spiritual leader… ‘ [lines 24-25]

These male dominated influences still permeated ...

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