According to the behavioural approach and attachment theory, Shaver et al suggested that romantic love in adulthood is an integration of three behavioural systems acquired in infancy: attachment, caregiving, and sexuality systems. Attachment systems are related to Bowlby’s Internal Working Model (IWM). He suggested that early adult relationships were a continuation of early attachment styles (secure or insecure), because the behaviour of the infants primary caregiver (PCG) promotes and IWM of relationships, leading infants to expect the same in future adult relationships. For example, secure attachment, which is categorised by a PCG who is caring and understanding will lead to an empathetic adult who is able to create meaningful relationships. Similarly, infants who have an insecure avoidant attachment type due to a rejecting PCG, leads to an adult who is instant and intolerant in romantic relationships. Therefore suggesting how an infants attachment type to their PCG may influence …show more content…
This is also known as Social Learning Theory (Bandura) and states that we learn by watching what happens to others, and under certain conditions we imitate these behaviours. So, in regard to adult relationships, children may learn particular relationship related behaviours from their parents and apply those to future adult relationships. For example, a child who sees their parents constantly fighting may interpret that this behaviour is normal and apply it to a romantic relationship later on. Lastly, sexual systems are also learnt in relation to early attachment types with the PCG. For example, an infant who is insecure avoidant is likely to view sexual relations without love as pleasurable. This is because, as an infant they tend to avoid social interaction and intimacy with others, and according to Bowlby, this behaviour will be mirrored in adulthood