Bowlby (Theory of Attachment) Flashcards
How would you define ‘Attachment’?
A two-way emotional relationship between a caregiver and a child.
What are ‘Species-Specific’ behaviors?
Are behaviors unique to a certain species. they are genetically passed on- eg, crying, smiling.
Define ‘Separation Anxiety’
Is the unease a child shows when being separated from the mother, particularly in the presence of strangers.
What is ‘Ethology’ and how did it support an evolutionary basis?
Ethology is the study of animals (usually in their natural habitat). His studies in this field showed similarities between human and animal development.
What is ‘Monotropy’?
This is a strong, innate tendency to become attached to one individual (usually the mother).
What is the ‘Critical Period’?
This refers to the time period where development has to be achieved. In humans, it is two and a half to three years old.
Define ‘Secure Base Behavior’?
When a young child explores their environment, but keeps returning to the caregiver to be reassured and check all is well.
What is Bowlby’s ‘Maternal Deprivation Hypothesis’?
This theory states that if an infant was unable to develop an attachment with one attachment figure, within the critical period, they would have difficulty forming relationships later on, and would potentially display behavior problems.
What three things are important to note in his Maternal Deprivation hypothesis?
1- The importance of a continuous relationship between a child and mother.
2- The development of the attachment mush occur over the critical period.
3- He believed there had to be monotropy, and mostly believed in a mother/child relationship, but this is not always the case.
Explain the Freudian influence in his work.
He believed:
The mother acted as both Ego and Superego.
They provide the child with an internal working model of relationships.
Explain Evolutionary influences that inspire Bowlby.
He believed that babies are biologically formatted to form attachments, using social releases (crying and smiling).
Harry Harlows experiments on monkeys prove this.
Konrad Lorenz studies with goslings also proves this.
