Explanations of Attachment: Bowlby's Monotropic Theory

Question 1

Monotropy

Answer 1

1 particular attachment is different and more important than others - the ‘mother’

The more time spent with them the better quality attachment
=> law of continuity - the more constant + predictable care
=> law of accumulated separation - effects of separation adds up - the best is none

Question 2

Social Releasers + Critical Period

Answer 2

SRs => innate ‘cute’ behaviours like smiling cooing + gripping to activate adult social interaction to form attachment , a reciprocal process

Critical Period: around 1st 6 months of life where infant attachment system is active - if attachment not formed by 2 = v hard to form one later

Question 3

Internal Working Model (IWM)

Answer 3

Mental representation of relationship with PCG that serves as a model for what relationships are like

e.g. poor treatment from PCG => poor relationships which expectation of poor treatment

Can effect future parenting as ppl base their parenting behaviour on their own experiences

Question 4

Validity of monotropy challenged - Schaffer + Emerson

Answer 4

• A significant minority of infants have multiple attachments at once
• 1st attachment may have a stronger influence on later behaviour it’s not necessarily diff. in quality to other attachments

MEANS Bowlby may be incorrect about PCG having a unique importance to child

Question 5

Support for Social Releasers - Brazelton

Answer 5

P: Observed PCGs ignoring their babies (under researchers instruction) social releasers

F: Babies ,who were responsive before, became distressed + some curled up laying motionless

SUGGESTS the role of social releasers in emotional development + their importance in attachment

Question 6

Support for IWM - Bailey (S)

Answer 6

P: Assessed attachment of 99 mothers + 1yr old babies as well as measuring mothers attachment to their own PCG

F: Found mothers w/ poor attachment to own PCG likely had poorly attached babies

SUPPORTS idea mothers’ ability to form attachment to their babies is influenced by their IWM

Question 7

Counter to Support for IWM (L)

Answer 7

Likely other important influences on social development which could also impact parenting ability

e.g. genetic differences in anxiety + sociability affecting social behaviour in babies + adults

MEANS Bowlby may have overstated importance of IWM at expense for other factors

Question 8

AO3 Extra - Feminist Concerns

Answer 8

Burman - Laws of continuity + separation suggest mothers who work may negatively impact child development and thus blame mothers child’s future shortcomings + possibly restrict mothers’ activities

However - in Bowlby’s time ppl didn’t see mothers as necessary resulting in custody disputes favouring the father