Bowlby's attachment theory Flashcards
What did Bowlby state?
He stated that children are biologically pre-programmed to form attachments to one primary care giver (normally the mother). During the critical period which is 2.5 years.
He also stated that infants have a universal need to seek proximity when they are feeling stressed or anxious. If they are separated from their caregiver they experience social anxiety.
Attachments formed in this time are needed to form relationships later in life. This has detrimental effects on developments.
What did Schaffer and Emerson state?
Schaffer and Emerson challenged Bowlby’s idea. they believed that infants are most likely to form attachments with individuals who are most sensitive to their needs.
So they developed a theory on the stages of attachment
At 0-8 weeks -they respond to any caregiver.
2-7 months- babies become more social able to tell people apart. they do not show any fear of strangers.
7-12months- they prefer their primary caregiver and seek comfort from them when they are upset.
At 12+ months-multiple attachments would have been formed.
Criticisms of Bowlby’s theory.
-His theory is too simple.
- They believe that attachment can be a learnt behaviour influenced by the environment, their culture
and the child’s temperament.
