Attachment- Monotropic Theory

Question 1

What type of theory is monotrpic theory

Answer 1

Evolutionary and psychodynamic

Question 2

Evolutionary theory of attachment

Answer 2

Animals with traits that help them survive and reproduce are more likely to survive and have offspring, to pass down this trait.
Suggests attachment is an evolutionary advantage.

Question 3

Elements of Monotropic theory

Answer 3

Innate
Adaptive
Social releasers
Critical period
Montropy
Internal working model
Continuity hypothesis

Question 4

Innate

Answer 4

Children are born with a need to form attachments

Question 5

Adaptive

Answer 5

Attachment gives an evolutionary advantage and makes people more likely to survive

Question 6

Social releasers

Answer 6

Traits in infants which ‘unlock’ the caregiver’s innate tendency to care for them.
Can be physical- ‘baby face’
Or behavioural- crying and babbling

Question 7

Critical period

Answer 7

A specific period where an attachment must be formed or the opportunity to form an attachment is lost.
In humans, it is from birth to2/3 years

Question 8

What happens if a child passes the critical period without forming an attachment?

Answer 8

Emotional and intellectual problems can occur later in life if separation occurs like inconsistency in caregiving.

Question 9

Monotropy

Answer 9

The idea that one single, intense attachment is important for the wellbeing of the child. This is usually with the mother, with the father’s role being economic to the family.

Question 10

Internal working model

Answer 10

The idea that attachment in infancy allows the creation of a mental framework of their role in relationships and what they should be like.

Question 11

Continuity hypothesis

Answer 11

The idea that the internal working model influences future relationships with peers, romantic partners and future children,

Question 12

Strengths of monotropic theory

Answer 12

Support for critical period- animal studies
Support for social releasers- Brazelton et al.
Support for internal working model- Bailey et al, Harlow’s monkeys

Question 13

Weaknesses of montropic theory

Answer 13

Schaffer and Emerson- found sensitive responsiveness and multiple attachments
Grossman- found a role for fathers
Socially sensitive- monotropy could imply guilt for working mothers and suggest they should stay at home with their child.