Bowlby's Monotropic Theory

Question 1

how did Bowlby explain attachment?

Answer 1

an innate system that gives a survival advantage - ensuring young animals stay close to adult caregivers

Question 2

why is it called monotropic theory?

Answer 2

he placed emphasis on the child’s attachment to one caregiver which is different and more important

Question 3

what is the law of continuity?

Answer 3

the more constant and predictable a child’s care, the better the quality of attachment

Question 4

what is the law of accumulated separation?

Answer 4

the effects of every separation from the mother add up

Question 5

what are the innate ‘cute’ behaviours like smiling called?

Answer 5

social releasers

Question 6

when is the critical period according to Bowlby?

Answer 6

6 months (but is more of a sensitive period as it can extend to 2 years)

Question 7

what is the internal working model?

Answer 7

the child forms a mental representation of their relationship with their primary attachment figure - serves as a model for what relationships are like