Internal Working Models of Attachment: A Lifespan Perspective

doi:10.1017/9781009381949.014

13 - Internal Working Models of Attachment: A Lifespan Perspective

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 09 February 2026

Jeffry A. Simpson ,

Ross A. Thompson and

Lisa J. Berlin

Edited by

Anita L. Vangelisti ,

Daniel Perlman and

Susan Sprecher

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Anita L. Vangelisti: Affiliation:
University of Texas, Austin
Daniel Perlman: Affiliation:
University of North Carolina, Greensboro
Susan Sprecher: Affiliation:
Illinois State University

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Summary

This chapter is devoted to developing and clarifying one of the most unique and important constructs of attachment theory: the internal working models (IWMs) by which relationships influence other relationships and personality. We begin by describing how IWMs develop, discuss different definitions and conceptualizations of IWMs associated with different developmental stages, and then offer a new way of thinking about IWMs as both implicit and explicit representations that function at different levels of awareness. We then discuss factors that promote stability and change in IWMs, highlighting how earlier experiences with attachment figures may shape subsequent IWMs associated with other attachment figures. We next present a framework outlining the conditions under which IWMs associated with specific attachment figures earlier in life can become “activated” to influence how people think, feel, and/or behave with their current attachment figures. We conclude by proposing several promising directions for future research.

Keywords

attachment internal working models lifespan models security insecurity

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Type: Chapter
Information: The Cambridge Handbook of Personal Relationships , pp. 263 - 284

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009381949.014 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2026

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