Attachment

Question 1

Bowlby’s theory

Answer 1

Looked to the work of Lorenz and Harlow. Attachment= innate system with survival advantage.

Attachment is monotropic- babies attach themselves especially to one ‘primary attachment figure (PAF)’.

Law of continuity: the more constant and predictable a child’s care, the better the attachment

Law of accumulated separation: the safest dose is a zero dose - never leave your child.

Social releasers: e.g cooing and smiling. Encourage attention from adults (survival).

Attachment is reciprocal.

Critical period around 6 months ( perhaps to 2 years). If attachment not formed in this time, it will be much harder later.

Internal working model: model for what relationships are like. Affects ability to be parent later.