PSYCH 137C Chapter 13: Chapter 13
Document Summary
Born into intimacy: the effects of adult relationships on children. Infant"s capacity for intimacy is limited but are born into a sea of intimate relationships relationship with primary caregivers, usually parents. Relationship between parents first model of adult intimacy to which we are exposed forms the soil in which the seeds of our own capacity for intimacy are sown attachment theory. Therapists who worked with families were convinced that behavior problems in children have their roots in the relationship between their parents. Some researchers suggested that emotions expressed between adults were simply too complex for young children to understand. Studies confirmed that even young children are exquisitely sensitive to the quality of the interactions of the adults around them. Children exposed to discord between parents are more likely to experience depression, behavior problems in school, difficulties in their relationships with peers. These effects have been demonstrated across cultures and around the world.
