Attachment - Bowlby theory of Attachment

Question 1

Define Monotropy

Answer 1

Idea that one bond is more important and significant than the other bonds and is of central importance to the Childs development

Question 2

Define Internal Working Model

Answer 2

The mental representations we all carry with us of our attachment to our primary caregiver. They are important in affecting our future relationships as they carry our perception of what relationships are like

Question 3

Define Critical Period

Answer 3

Refers to the time within which an attachment must form. If no attachment is formed within this time, it will be more difficult to form an attachment

Question 4

Define Social Releasers

Answer 4

Babies are born with a set of innate cute behaviours that encourage adults to want to care for you

Question 5

Outline Bowlby’s theory of attachment

Answer 5

• Critical period
• Monotropy
• Internal Working Model
• Social Releasers

Question 6

Evaluate Bowlby’s theory of attachment:

Answer 6

\+ Supporting evidence for monotropy 
\+ Support for social Releasers
\+ Support for Internal Working Model
\+/- Cultural variation support/contradict 
- Socially Sensitive research

Question 7

Evaluate Bowlby’s theory of attachment:

+ Supporting evidence for monotropy

Answer 7

Shaffer and Emerson found one specific attachment was formed before multiple attachments could develop. Therefore there must be some significance in this primary attachment…

Question 8

Evaluate Bowlby’s theory of attachment:

+ Support for social Releasers

Answer 8

Interactional Synchrony could be seen when observing mothers with their babies. When carers ignored babies some showed distress, then curled up and lay motionless. Children reacted strongly, supports Bowlby’s ideas about significance of infant social behaviour.

Question 9

Evaluate Bowlby’s theory of attachment:

+ Support for Internal Working Model

Answer 9

Bailey assessed 99 mothers with one year old babies on the quality of attachment with their mothers. Mothers who reported poor attachment to their parents are more likely to have children classified as poor. Supports Bowlby’s theory that the attachment type passes on through the generations.

Question 10

Evaluate Bowlby’s theory of attachment:

- Socially Sensitive research

Answer 10

Suggests woman should stay at home to look after their children to ensure specific attachment is formed. This does not fit with modern society where women work and can’t always afford to take time off.

Question 11

Evaluate Bowlby’s theory of attachment:

+/- Cultural variation support/contradict

Answer 11

Cultural variations show attachment is a universal innate thing.
Also show that it varies between culture showing environment/culture effects so it Is not al innate