A Thematic Analysis in Support of the Theory That Early Relationships Affect Adult Attachment
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 in Cooper and Roth 2007, p37).
Introduction
A thematic analysis is historically a practice in qualitative research, which involves searching through data to identify patterns and themes. A theme is linked to categories, conveying similar meanings. This popular technique can be enhanced by the analyst lacking previous knowledge of the research topic, so they are not guided by any preconceptions. Furthermore, the analyst does not have to be an expert in the research topic. However, in order to begin analysis a researcher must have at least some understanding to guide the insightful processes. There is no simple distinction between qualitative and quantitative methods. Since analysts move back and forth between new concepts and the data, all research involves processes of induction and deduction, especially thematic analysis whereby induction creates themes and deduction verifies them. Thematic analysis is also part of everyday life and in order to maintain a sense of the world, we constantly arrange incoming information, into themes with the use of our existing experiences. (as cited in Cooper and Roth 2007, p21).
A central issue in developmental psychology is
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 in Cooper and Roth 2007, p37).
Introduction
A thematic analysis is historically a practice in qualitative research, which involves searching through data to identify patterns and themes. A theme is linked to categories, conveying similar meanings. This popular technique can be enhanced by the analyst lacking previous knowledge of the research topic, so they are not guided by any preconceptions. Furthermore, the analyst does not have to be an expert in the research topic. However, in order to begin analysis a researcher must have at least some understanding to guide the insightful processes. There is no simple distinction between qualitative and quantitative methods. Since analysts move back and forth between new concepts and the data, all research involves processes of induction and deduction, especially thematic analysis whereby induction creates themes and deduction verifies them. Thematic analysis is also part of everyday life and in order to maintain a sense of the world, we constantly arrange incoming information, into themes with the use of our existing experiences. (as cited in Cooper and Roth 2007, p21).
A central issue in developmental psychology is
References: Wood, C., Littleton, K., & Oates. (2007) Lifespan Development. Cooper, T,Roth,L.Challenging Psychological Issues, pp3-60 Milton Keynes, The Open University. Banister, P. (2007) Exploring Psychology Method Book, Milton Keynes, The Open University. (2007,2009 and 2011)Exploring Psychology DVD, Milton Keynes, The Open University. Appendix