BOWLBY'S MONOTROPIC THEORY [attachment explanations] Flashcards
Why did Bowlby reject learning theory?
He stated that if it was true, infants would readily attach to whoever fed them, which isn’t true
What type of theory did Bowlby propose instead of learning theory?
An evolutionary theory
How does Bowlby’s theory explain attachment?
It is an innate system that gives a survival advantage; imprinting and attachment evolved because they protected the young from hazards
Why is Bowlby’s theory described as monotropic?
It places great emphasis on attachment to one particular caregiver - a primary attachment figure
What 2 principles did Bowlby put forwards?
- LAW OF CONTINUITY
- LAW OF ACCUMULATED SEPARATION
What is the Law of Continuity?
The more constant and predictable a child’s care, the better the quality of their attachment will be
What is the Law of Accumulated Separation?
The effects of every separation from the primary attachment figure add up, therefore the ‘safest dose is a zero dose’
How did Bowlby extend the idea of a critical period from animal studies to humans?
He stated that the infant attachment system is active for 2 years - if an attachment is not formed within this period, they will find it much harder to form one later
How did Bowlby alter the idea of a critical period?
He viewed it as more of a sensitive period, where the infant is most likely to form an attachment
How does Bowlby’s theory explain the formation of an attachment?
- Infants are born with a set of innate cute behaviours called SOCIAL RELEASERS which encourage adult attention and activate the adult attachment system
- Attachment is a reciprocal process where both parties have a predisposition to become attached
- An attachment slowly builds as the infant spends more time with the caregiver
What did Bowlby explain the internal working model as?
A mental representation formed by the child of their relationship with their caregiver
How does the internal working model affect development?
It is used as a model for what relationships should be like, therefore affecting the child’s ability to be a parent themselves
What research contradicts the idea of monotropy?
Schaffer and Emerson found that infants form multiple attachments
Why is Bowlby’s theory socially sensitive?
Monotropy places a great burden on the mother, as the Law of Accumulated Separation states that they should not spend any time away from their infant, pushing mothers into certain lifestyles
