Explanations: Bowlby’s Monotropic Theory

Question 1

What are the 5 stages of Bowlby’s monotropic theory?

Answer 1

• Adaptive
• Social Releasers
• Critical Period
• Monotropy
• Internal Working Model

Question 2

What does the adaptive stage mean?

Answer 2

Attachments are adaptive which means they give an ‘adaptive advantage’ making us more likely to survive

Question 3

What is an example of adaptive?

Answer 3

If an infant has an attachment to a caregiver they are kept safe, warm and given food

Question 4

What does the social releasers stage mean?

Answer 4

Babies have innate behaviours that make people want to care for them

Question 5

What is an example of social releasers?

Answer 5

Crying, baby faces and big eyes

Question 6

What does the critical period stage mean?

Answer 6

There is a critical period for attachment (solid 2 years) and if attachment does not occur it may never end there are serious long term effects

Question 7

What type of damage can occur if attachment is not completed?

Answer 7

• Physical
• Intellectual
• Emotional
• Social damage

Question 8

What does the monotropy stage mean?

Answer 8

Babies select one special attachment figure who acts as a safe base for exploring the world

Question 9

What does the internal working model stage mean?

Answer 9

Mental schema is created of relationships based first experience, we use this internal working model as a template

Question 10

What are 3 evaluation points?

Answer 10

• Interna working model supported by Harlow’s monkeys
• More difficult to form an attchement after critical period
• Attachment is universal concept