Bowlbys monotropic theory: Explanations of attachment

Question 1

what is monotropy?

Answer 1

The special, different and more important attachment to ONE caregiver. Bowlby believed that the more time spent with this primary figure-the better.

Question 2

what are social releasers?

Answer 2

‘cute’ behaviours babies do like smiling, gripping, and cooing in order to gain attention from adults, and ACTIVATE social interaction, making attachments.

this is a RECIPROCAL process.

Question 3

what is the critical period?

Answer 3

Bowlby proposed the critical period around 6 months, where the attachment system is ACTIVE. (sensitive period) which can extend to TWO years.

if attachment is not formed in this time, it will be much harder to form later.

Question 4

`what happens in the internal working model?

Answer 4

the child forms a mental representation of their relationship with their P attachment figure. called the IWM as it serves as a model for future relationships.

loving upbringing=loving to future children

poor relationship growing up= affect child’s ability to parent later.