A thematic analysis in support of the theory that early relationships affect adult attachment

Abstract.

This study was a qualitative thematic analysis to see if there was any evidence in early relationships that then affects the adult attachment theory. The qualitative textual analysis was carried out on a pre-existing, edited, filmed semi-structured interview. The thematic analysis showed that there is some truth in the adult attachment theory but life experiences and circumstances also have an effect on the individual. Furthermore relationships can play an important part in our lives with some evidence showing that Bowlby’s theory has some validity, (as cited …show more content…

The method was selected because it enabled the researcher to explore reality from the participant’s interview.

The participant (Chloe a 50 year old academic who is currently retraining to be a therapist, was married and divorced in her twenties and she and her current partner plan to marry this year. She has no children) was provided by The Open University, which gained consent from the participant to use the interview material for the purpose of the research. The participant was properly briefed and debriefed and offered the right to withdraw from the research at any time with the research either sent back to the participant or destroyed.

The participant was interviewed by a lady psychologist of a similar age, in the participant’s home. With one successful interview and a telephone call explaining what the research was about and the focus being early relationships and how they kind of shaped us and how they shape relationships with people once we are adults.

Compression, labelling and narrative structuring techniques were used in a thematic analysis of the interview with Chloe- referring to the DVD and transcript. Giving three themes that I identified the