Attachment L6 Flashcards
Why does Bowlby think attachments form (A01)?
He believes that attachment between infants and caregivers is an instinct that has evolved because it increases the chances of survival and passing on of genes. Infants who stay closer to parents more likely to survive thus genes are passed on.
How does Bowlby think attachments form (part 1) (A01)?
Infants are biologically programmed to become attached to An adult. The critical period for this is two years. If attachments aren’t formed during this time they will have difficulty forming attachments. Bowlby proposed that attachment is determined by caregivers sensitivity. More sensitive caregiver = stronger attachment.
How does Bowlby think attachments form (part 2) (A01)?
Social releasers are important in helping developments form, they are behaviours that elicit care giving. Babies display them to encourage care. Bowlby argued that babies have one special bond, called monotropy. This is often with biological mother - but not always.
What are examples of social releasers (A01)?
Smiling and crying
What is monotropy (A01)?
One special emotional, often with mother but not exclusively.
What is the importance of monotropy (A01)?
It helps form a mental view of relationships (Internal working model). Positive IWM ensures current and future relationships will be positive and secure.
What is a weakness of this study (A03)?
Its impossible to test the theory has been the same throughout evolution, making it unscientific.
What is a weakness of this study (A03)?
Schaffer and Emerson suggest multiple attachments are more common than monotropy. They found by 18 months only 13% of babies had only one attachment.
What is a strength of this study (A03)?
Tronick found that in an African tribe where babies where breastfed by other women but slept with their mothers at night only one primary attachment was formed.
