Bowlby's monotropic theory

Question 1

Main assumptions of Bowlby’s monotropic theory

Answer 1

• Attachment is a behaviour that has evolved because of its survival value (evolutionary theory).
• Babies have an innate drive to survive (hardwired).
• They form an attachment to a single, specific caregiver (usually the mother)- Monotropy.
• The first attachment forms a ‘template for later relationships- IWN, (schema tells you about what to expect from these relationships).

Question 2

Monotropy

Answer 2

• This is where an infant forms a single attachment to a single caregiver (usually the mother).

Question 3

Social releasers

Answer 3

• Babies display a range of behaviours to promote attachment formation.

Question 4

Sensitivity hypothesis

Answer 4

• Infants seek proximity to their carer (mother) for safety.
• Mother is sensitive to their babies needs.

Question 5

Critical period

Answer 5

• There is a sensitive period where attachment must take place, otherwise there could be consequences (up to 2 years).

Question 6

What is the continuity hypothesis?

Answer 6

Suggests that…
- Strong attachments in infancy –> socially and emotionally competent later.
- Weak attachments in infancy –> social and emotional difficulties later.

Question 7

What is the law of continuity?

Answer 7

Stated that a more constant and predictable a child’s care, the better quality their attachment.

Question 8

Internal working model

Answer 8

• Bowlby proposed that a child forms a mental representation of their relationship with a caregiver.
• This is the IWM as it serves as a model for what future relationships are like.
• Therefore it has a powerful effect on the nature of a child’s future relationships.
• Most importantly the IWM affects the child’s later ability to be a parent themselves.
• People tend to base their parenting behaviour on their own experiences of being parented.
• This explains why children from functional families tend to have similar families themselves.