bowlby's attachment theory

Question 1

what was the main research he carried out?

Answer 1

he believed that children were biologically preprogrammed to form attachments.
infancy is a critical period for forming positive attachments.

Question 2

key points

Answer 2

himself and robertson found that children experience separation anxiety when separated from their mothers.
this is due to the caregiver providing safety and security for the infant.
infants have a universal need to seek close proximity with their caregiver when under stress or feeling threatened.

Question 3

critics of bowlby

Answer 3

rutter argues that maternal deprivation in itself may not result in long-term problems, however privation is far more damaging.
some critics argue that attachment is learned behaviour unlike bowlby’s argument of it being a natural process.