Bowlby's monotropic theory: explanation of attachment

Question 1

list the five assumptions of Bowlbys monotropic theory, as an explanation of attachment

Answer 1

1. attachment is innate, a learnt behaviour from evolution
2. monotropic, as they have one main caregiver attachment
3. babies are born with social releasers, i.e. smiling
4. critical period of 2 and a half years
5. internal working model forms based on first attachment

Question 2

name the laws of the monotropic theory

Answer 2

Law of continuity

Law of accumulated separation

Question 3

define the law of continuity

Answer 3

the more constant a child’s care is the better the quality of attachment

Question 4

define the law of accumulated separation

Answer 4

the more the baby is separated from the caregiver, the more damage it does

Question 5

outline two strengths for Bowlbys monotropic theory as an explanation of attachment

Answer 5

• there is support for social releasers, for example Brazelton et al discovered that babies whose social releasers were ignored curled up into a ball
• there is research support for internal working models, for example Bailey et al, discovered parents with poor attachments to their kids, likely had a poor attachment with their parents

Question 6

name a limitation for Bowlby’s monotropic theory as an explanation for attachment

Answer 6

• monotropy lacks validity, as attachments may be stronger for certain people but not different. Other psychologists argues that Bowlby over emphasised the role of primary caregiver too much