Explanations of attachment: Bowlby's theory

Question 1

What did Bowlby say about/include in his explanation of attachment?

Answer 1

M - Monotropic Theory - emphasis on PAF
I - Innate - attachment = innate biological drive
S - Social Releasers - ‘cute’ behaviours babies use to activate the adult attachment system
S - Sensitive Period - different to critical period
C - Critical Period - the time in which attachments must form or none will form at all
R - Reciprocal explanation
I - Internal Working Model - mental representation of their relationship with PCG that serves as a model for what relationships are like going forward
E - Evolutionary explanation of behaviour
D - Dire Consequences if no attachment forms

Question 2

What are the evaluation points for Bowlby’s theory?

Answer 2

1. Mixed evidence for monotropy - Schaffer and Emerson propose multiple attachments
2. Good evidence for social releasers - Brazleton et al.
3. Support for idea of internal working model - testable idea bc we can predict patterns of attachment
4. Monotropy - socially sensitive implications - mothers lifestyle choices