Bowlby monotrophic theory of attachment

Question 1

What is monotropic theory of attachment

Answer 1

-Suggests attachment is key in childs survival
-Attachment behaviours evolved through natural selection
-Attachment formation is innate
-Formed in the critical period.
-Emphasis on role of social releasers (e.g smiling)
-Parents programmed to respond to social releasers.
-Creates an IWM influencing later relationships
-Monotrophy suggests one key relationship.

Question 2

Adaptive

Answer 2

-Attachment behaviour is innate
-Adaptive and evolved to ensure survival
-Infants who don’t attach have less chance of survival.

Question 3

Social releasers

Answer 3

Behaviours of infants are adaptive as they give care from adults
-Parents are genertically programmed to give care aided by dopamine

Question 4

Critical period

Answer 4

Time window when attachment is most likely to occur
If it doesn’t happen in this time it is unlikely to occur
First 24 months

Question 5

Monothropy

Answer 5

Primary attachment is the most important and forms basis of IWM
Sensitivity hypothosis- Sensitivity to infants social releasers predicts attachment

Question 6

Internal working model

Answer 6

-Primary attachment sets up an expectation for all future relationships
-led to continuity hypothesis (infant experiences reflect in future relationships)
-Securely attached- Emotionally competent in relationship
-Insecurely attached- emotional difficulty.

Question 7

Strengths

Answer 7

-Influential (led to positive change)- Emphasis on emotional and social needs (hospital visiting hours are no longer restricted)
-Support for the sensitivity hypothosis- Schaffer and emmerson concluded it is not the amount of time but the quality of attachment which makes the primary attachment. Harlow’s monkeys developed a sensitivity hypothosis.
-Support for IWM- Bailey et al concluded from 99 mothers that those with goof quality relationships with mothers were more likely to have children with good attachment. Supported by harlow.