A - MONOtropic theory of attachment

Question 1

what were Bowlby’s 2 theories

Answer 1

• monotropic theory (1958, 69)
• MDH (1951)

Question 2

what did the monotopy theory suggest

Answer 2

• there is an evolutionary/innate attachment - gives survival advantage
• first attachment is the most important and strongest
• the more time spent with the primary care giver the better
• rejects learning theory as an explanation to attachment

Question 3

who was Bowlby influenced by

Answer 3

Lorenz’s imprinting - innate attachment formation
Harlow’s monkeys

Question 4

what were Bowlby’s 2 laws

Answer 4

• law of continuity
• law of accumulated separation

Question 5

what is the law of continuity

Answer 5

the more constant and predictable a child’s care is, the better the quality of attachment

Question 6

what is the law of accumulated separation

Answer 6

the effects of every separation from the mother add up

Question 7

what are social releasers

Answer 7

innate cute behaviours that activate attachment systems from adults
- attachment is reciprocated

Question 8

what is the critical period

Answer 8

the time frame in which attachments need to form
- around 6 months - 2 1/2 years
- if one isn’t formed in this time it never will (disproved by Koluchova twins)
- he argued that the consequences were irreversible

Question 9

what was the critical period changed to

Answer 9

the sensitive period
- has an optimum time frame but attachment can still occur after

Question 10

what is the internal working model

Answer 10

your first attachment acts as a framework for later relationships

Question 11

AO3: supporting research from…

Answer 11

• Ainsworth - tribe in Uganda shows one primary attachment even when raised by multiple caregivers

Question 12

AO3: opposing research from…

Answer 12

• Schaffer and Emerson who said children end up with multiple attachments that serve different purposes
• 39% of babies were not attached to the person that fed them

Question 13

AO3: how does Bailey et al 99 mothers research support

Answer 13

IWM - mother’s who reported poor attachments to their own mothers, also had poor quality attachment to their children (correlation might not be causation)

Question 14

AO3: how do the Koluchova twins go against Bowlby

Answer 14

• oppose IWM and critical period
• from 18months to 7years of age were locked in a cupboard
• went on the form good later attachments

Question 15

AO3: X how is the monotropic theory socially sensitive

Answer 15

• makes mother’s feel guilty for not spending time with their children
• shames mothers if attachment is poor
• may cause mothers to quit jobs which reduces jobs in childcare sector or if they keep their jobs increases employment in childcare - economic implications