Bowlby’s Monotropic Theory

Question 1

what did bowlbys theory state?

Answer 1

• that attachment is important for a child’s survival
• evolutionary explanation
• babies have an innate attachment drive to survive, as security = survival.
• Babies will stay closer to one carer (usually mother) for survival.

Question 2

Bowlby believed that the more time a baby spent with this primary attachment figure, the better
There are two main reasons:

Answer 2

1. Law of continuity - the more constant a child’s care, the better the quality of attachment
2. Law of accumulated separation - the effects of every separation add up

Question 3

Social releasers

Answer 3

• social releasers → they instinctively use signals (crying, smiling, cooing) that attract the caregiver’s attention
• Adults are biologically programmed to find these signals cute or distressing, encouraging the caregiver to want to care and look after the baby

Question 4

Critical period

Answer 4

• critical period of about 2.5 years for this strong attachment to take place
• If this does not happen it will result in long-lasting negative consequences

Question 5

Internal working model

Answer 5

• mental representation for relationships and the internal working model serves as a ‘template’ for what relationships are like
• blueprint for future relationships
• may also affect the child’s later ability to be a parent themselves

Question 6

ASCMI

Answer 6

• adaptive
• social releasers
• critical period
• monotropy
• internal working model