Bowlby's Monotropic Theory of Attachment

Question 1

Continuity hypothesis

Answer 1

Bowlby’s term of the continuity hypothesis suggest that the relationship with a primary caregiver, when emotionally secure, determines the social and emotional outcomes of adults

Question 2

Define what is meant by critical period

Answer 2

A biologically determined period of time where certain characteristics can develop - outside of this time frame, such development is not possible (1). The critical period for attachment is around 3 to 6 months (2)

Question 3

Define what an internal working model is

Answer 3

A mental model of the world, enabling individuals to predict their environment and, in relation to attachment, a person’s expectations about relationships

Question 4

Define Monotropy (monotropic)

Answer 4

The idea that one relationship the infant has with primary figure has a special significance in emotional development

Question 5

Social releaser

Answer 5

A social behavior or characteristic that elicits caregiver and leads to attachment

Question 6

Why do attachments form

Answer 6

Lorenz’s research on imprinting lead Bowlby to assume that humans had a similar operating process. Attachment behavior evolved as an important survival function - an infant with no attachment is not protected.

Question 7

How does Bowlby’s theory explain how attachment forms

Answer 7

Bowlby proposed that babies have an innate biological drive to become attached that occur during a ‘sensitive period,’ for development. This period is formed 3 to 6 months (1)
Bowlby determined that attachment was determined by sensitivity and his views were influenced by Mary Ainsworth - responsive, cooperative; Importance of reciprocity and interactional synchrony (2)
Social releasers are important for an attachment to develop, as it elicits caregiver responses and are a mechanism that explain how attachment to infants are formed (3)

Monotropy is the infant’s special emotional bond or the primary attachment relationship (4)

Question 8

Consequences of attachment

Answer 8

Monotropy suggests an infant has one primary relationship and forms a mental representation of this relationship called an internal working model (1)

Continuity hypothesis proposes that individuals strongly attached continue to be socially and emotionally competent

Question 9

Effects of internal working model (short term and long term)

Answer 9

1) provides insight into caregiver’s behavior and enables the child to influence behavior for a true partnership to be formed
2) long term template for all future relationships