Bowlby’s Monotropic Theory of Attachment Flashcards
What was the evolutionary theory of attachment that Bowlby proposed?
The idea that we have an innate tendency to form attachment as they give a survival advantage. An infant who is attached is better protected.
According to Bowlby’s evolutionary theory of attachment. Attachment is what?
A two-way process where parents must also be attached to their infants to ensure they are cared for and survive. They are most likely to produce subsequent generations. Attachment is a biological process, caregiving is evolutionary behaviour
Bowlby’s monotropic theory of attachment suggests that attachment is what?
Important for a child’s survival and attachment behaviour in babies and caregivers have evolved through natural selection.
Bowlby’s monotropic theory of attachment: suggests what about infants attachments and biological process?
They’re innately programmed to form an attachment. Is a biological process and takes place during a critical period of around 2 years. Infants who don’t form an attachment in that time have difficulty later on
Bowlby’s monotropic theory of attachment: suggested that babies are born with what?
Innate ‘cute’ features and behaviours that encourage attention from adults called social releases.
Bowlby’s monotropic theory of attachment: what do the cute innate features of infants activate?
The innate adult attachment system. The tendency for adults to care for them. He recognises it as a reciprocal process.
Bowlby’s monotropic theory of attachment: why do the mother and infant have to become attached and social releasers triggers that response in caregivers?
Innate predisposition
What is monotropy?
the concept that infants have an innate capacity and drive to attach to one primary caregiver or attachment figure.
What is an internal working model?
When a child forms a mental representation of their relationship with their primary attachment figure
What does an internal working model give to a child?
A model of what relationships are like. In the long-term it acts as a template for all future relationships as it generates expectations about what intimate relationships are.
A child who’s first experience is a loving relationship with a reliable caregiver will tend to what?
Form relationships from the expectation they’re all loving and reliable and being these qualities to further relationships.
How does the internal working model affect the child in the future?
Their ability to be a parent. People tend to base their parenting behaviour on own experiences
What is the continuity hypothesis?
Individuals who are securely attached in infancy continue to be socially and emotionally competent.They are likely to have secure relationships as adults.
