Explanations Of Attachament: Bowlby’s Monotropic/ Evolutionary Theory

Question 1

Who proposed the Monotropic/ evolutionary theory

Answer 1

Bowlby (1969)

Question 2

What does the monotropic theory suggest

Answer 2

Attachment is an innate drive where babies are biologically programmed to form an attachment with a primary caregiver. Attachment behaviour evolved to ensure a child’s survival, keeping them close to their caregivers, warm, fed and protected from hazards.

Question 3

What are the key principles of the monotropic theory

Answer 3

-Adaptive
-Social releasers
-Critical period
-Monotropy
-Internal working model (+ continuity hypothesis)

Question 4

What does ASCMI stand for

Answer 4

-Adaptive
-Social releasers
-Critical period
-Monotropy
-Internal working model

Question 5

What are Social releasers

Answer 5

-Social releasers are innately ‘cute’ characteristics and behaviours that all babies are born with that encourages adults to engage with them, activating the attachment system. E.G crying, cooing smiling

Question 6

What is the critical period

Answer 6

-He proposed that there is a sensitive period (around 6 months to 2 years) when an infant must form an attachment. If this does not happen, it can lead to long-term negative effects on their development (physically, intellectually, emotionally and socially)

Question 7

Meaning of Monotropy

Answer 7

-A child forms one special, primary attachment, to the mother (doesn’t have to be biological). This attachment is more important than any others

Question 8

Two main reasons for Monotropy

Answer 8

-Law of continuity
-Law of accumulated separation

Question 9

Law of continuity

Answer 9

-The more constant a child’s care, the better the quality of attachment

Question 10

Law of accumulated separation

Answer 10

-The effects of every separation from Monotropy add up (safest dose is no separation)

Question 11

What is the internal working model

Answer 11

-A mental model (unconscious)of the relationship with their primary caregiver (mother) that serve as a template for what future relationship will be like

-A secure attachment leads to positive expectations in relationships (trust, self-worth).
-An insecure attachment may result in difficulties forming stable relationships.

Question 12

Continuity hypothesis

Answer 12

-A child who forms a secure attachment with the monotropy is likely to continue having secure relationships in adulthood and be emotionally secure, competent adults, whereas an insecurely attached child may struggle with relationships later on.

Question 13

Adaptive

Answer 13

-Attachment is considered adaptive because it enhances the survival chances of an infant, ensuring that it is warm, fed and protected from hazards. Bowlby’s theory suggests that attachment behaviors are biologically programmed and serve an evolutionary purpose, helping infants stay safe and secure