1.

What kind of relationship did you have with your parent(s) or primary caregiver(s) when
you were young? How might this/these relationship(s) influence how you relate to others (e.g.,
friends, relationship partners).

Answer: When I was young, my mother and I had a close, loving relationship. She made me feel
protected and cared for, and she was always attentive to my requirements. Because of this, I have
always had an unwavering faith in people and a strong yearning for meaningful connections with
others. Because of this, I've been able to maintain close friendships and romantic partnerships well
into adulthood.

However, I also felt emotionally distant from my father because he wasn't as involved in my
upbringing as my mother. Because of this, I've become more self-reliant and able to fend for myself,
but I've also become wary of men and slow to trust them. In sum, my upbringing by my parents has
made me a caring and compassionate person who also knows the value of standing on her own two
feet.

2. Most attachment research on adults focuses on attachment to romantic partners. What other
kinds of things may serve as attachment figures? Do you think siblings, pets, or gods can serve
as attachment figures?

Answer: One's parents, children, siblings, close friends, and even pets can all serve as attachment
figures, in addition to a romantic partner. As social beings, we have an innate desire to connect with
other people on an emotional level and to feel like we belong somewhere. Because siblings are
frequently the first people with whom we develop meaningful bonds, they, too, are candidates for the
role of attachment figure. Lifelong emotional support and friendship from siblings is possible, and
the bond between siblings can be as strong as that between parents and offspring. Additionally, pets
can function as attachment figures by providing company and comfort in times of need. Studies have
shown that the bond between a person and their pet can be as strong as the bond between a person
and a human attachment figure, and that both can serve as a source of comfort and security. Lastly,
spiritual beliefs and gods can serve as attachment figures for some people. Some people, for instance,
find solace and safety in their religious beliefs and practices, such as prayer and other spiritual
rituals.

In sum, there is a wide variety of attachment figures, and it is critical to understand that the desire for
attachment is a basic human need that can be met in various ways.
3. The value of personal independence varies across cultures. Do you think this might have
implications for the development of attachment patterns?

Answer: Different societies place varying amounts of importance on individual autonomy, which
can have repercussions for the development of various attachment styles. It's possible that different
cultures place varying degrees of importance on independence and dependence, both of which can
have an effect on how individuals initiate and continue to cultivate relationships. It is possible that
individuals are encouraged to pursue their own objectives and passions, which is a cultural norm in
some societies that places a significant emphasis on autonomy and independence. Attachment
patterns in these societies may be characterized by a greater degree of emotional distance and self-
reliance, with individuals being less likely to rely on others for emotional support. This is because
individuals are more likely to rely on themselves for emotional support.

In some other cultures, the concepts of interdependence and collectivism may be given a greater
amount of weight, and individuals may be encouraged to put the requirements of the group ahead of
their own personal requirements. Attachment patterns in these societies may be characterized by a
greater degree of emotional closeness and dependency, with individuals being more likely to rely on
others for emotional support. This may be because individuals are more likely to feel emotionally
vulnerable in these cultures.

For instance, in western cultures, the value of autonomy leads to an emphasis on encouraging
individuals to be self-sufficient and independent. This can lead to an emphasis on individuality and
self-expression within the context of romantic relationships. In contrast, individuals are encouraged
to prioritize the needs of the group over their own individual needs in eastern cultures, which can
lead to an emphasis on harmony and cooperation in relationships. Interdependence is valued in these
cultures, so this encourages individuals to put the needs of the group ahead of their own individual
needs.

4. Provide an example from our week's resources to support your perspective.

Answer: One illustration that gives support to this point of view is provided by the divergent patterns
of attachment that are seen in cultures that value individualism and cultures that value collectivism.
In individualistic cultures such as the United States, the emphasis is placed on individual autonomy
and self-expression, which can lead to a greater degree of emotional distance and self-reliance in
relationships. Individualism is prevalent in the United States. On the other hand, in collectivistic
cultures like Japan, the emphasis is placed on interdependence and harmony, which can lead to a
greater degree of emotional closeness and dependency in relationships. Japan is an example of a
collectivistic culture.
Key References:

1. How Attachment Theory Works. (2022, December 16). Verywell Mind.

https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-attachment-theory-2795337

2. Teti, D. (2001). Early Childhood: Socioemotional Risks. International Encyclopedia of the

Social &Amp; Behavioral Sciences, 3929–3932. https://doi.org/10.1016/b0-08-043076-

7/01716-2

3. van IJzendoorn, M. (2001). Attachment Theory: Psychological. International Encyclopedia of

the Social &Amp; Behavioral Sciences, 864–868. https://doi.org/10.1016/b0-08-043076-

7/01652-1

4. Yap, W. (2019, June 20). Cultural Attachment: From Behavior to Computational

Neuroscience. Frontiers.

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2019.00209/full

5. Kim, H. S., Sherman, D. K., & Taylor, S. E. (2008). Culture and social support. American

Psychologist, 63(6), 518–526. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066x