Abstract
Research has shown that early childhood experiences, especially those related to feelings of threat or safeness play a key role in subsequent emotional and social development. The aims of the study are to explore the relationship between early memories of warmth and safeness and attachment style in adolescents (1) and to define specificities of earliest memories with regard to the current attachment style(2). In order to explore relationships between earliest memories, emotional memories of warmth and safeness, and current attachment style of adolescents, a convenient sample of 167 public secondary school students with average age of 17,22 years of whom 63.47% females, was included in the research. The questionnaire included Early Memories of Warmth and Safeness Scale (EMWSS; Richter, Gilbert & McEwan, 2009), Memory Characteristics Questionnaire (Johnson, Suenghas, Foley & Raye, 1988) and Adult Attachment Questionnaire (Hazan & Shaver, 1990). Research findings proved that emotional content of adolescents` earliest memories is predominantly of joy (41.7%), fear (23.3%), sadness (8.6%), surprise (8%), anger (7.4%), etc. which is in line with previous research using same or similar methodology. Approximation of the first memory is at 4.7 years of age, with no significant difference between males and females. However, females described their first memory in significantly more words than males (t=-3.77, p 0,05). Securely and insecurely attached individuals did not differ in dimensions of vividness of earliest memory (H=1.127), emotional valence (H=.178), and emotion intensity (H=.209, all p>0,05). Research findings are discussed in light of current research in the field, and recommendations for future studies are given.
Highlights
Adolescence, as a transitional period of rapid developmental changes, includes the task of establishing a realistic sense of identity in the context of relationship with others and learning to cope with stress and emotions
Literature has shown that early childhood experiences, especially those related to feelings of threat or safeness play a key role in subsequent emotional and social development (Gilbert and Perris, 2000)
Instruments used in this research contained cover letter with basic information about the research, general instructions and informed consent as well as three more instruments: Early Memories of Warmth and Safeness Scale (EMWSS; Richter, Gilbert & McEwan, 2009)- a self-report questionnaire that measures recall of feeling warm, safe and cared for in childhood, i.e. early positive memories of warmth and affection
Summary
Adolescence, as a transitional period of rapid developmental changes, includes the task of establishing a realistic sense of identity in the context of relationship with others and learning to cope with stress and emotions. Literature has shown that early childhood experiences, especially those related to feelings of threat or safeness play a key role in subsequent emotional and social development (Gilbert and Perris, 2000). S. Tahirović associated with ability to be self-reassuring and self-soothing in stressful situation (Irons et al, 2006). Tahirović associated with ability to be self-reassuring and self-soothing in stressful situation (Irons et al, 2006) In this way, parental behavior provides environmental context for both childrens emotional and cognitive development (Gilbert and Perris, 2000). An infant needs to develop a relationship with at least one primary caregiver for the child’s successful social and emotional development, and in particular, for learning how to effectively regulate their feelings. In turn, shape individual’s expectations in later relationships
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