Bowlbys monotropic theory-EVALUATION

Question 1

one limitation of the mono tropic theory is that it LACKS validity

Answer 1

Schaffer and emerson found that children form multiple attachments, and altho 1st attachment is stronger it is NOT that different or SPECIAL, and multiple attachments prove SAME QUALITIES

THEREFORE, this questions concept of monotropy as there could be LOTS of special bonds instead of ONE. Also ?’s whether primary attachment is truly SPECIAL as suggested.

So may not be as UNIQUE as bowlby’s mono-theory suggested.

Question 2

one strength of bowlbys monotropic theory is that it has research support for his IWM

Answer 2

a study was conducted to measure mothers attachment to their primary attachments, and the quality of their babies to their mothers. They found that mothers w poor attachment to their own primary figure were more LIKELY to have poorly attached babies

THERFORE this supports Bowbly’s IWM that it will EFFECT a mothers ABILITY to form attachment and supports that IWM is developed from their OWN early experience

however there may be OTHER influences on social development such as genetics, anxiety, sociability. therefore, bolwby may have OVERSTATED importance of IWM and not considered other factors enough.

Question 3

another strength of monotropic theory is that there’s support for his ideas on social releasers

Answer 3

another study observed mothers and babies during interactions and found that babies TRIGGER interactions using social releasers, and when ignored they get DISTRESSED.

THIS SUGGESTS that social releasers ARE important for emotional development and attachment, LINKING to bowlbs theory