L5 - Bowlby's Monotropic Theory Flashcards
Why do attachments form?
Forming attachments has evolved because it increases chances of survival and parents passing in genes - adaptive
Attached means infants stay close so they’re well-cared and can survive
How do attachments form?
Drive to become attached is innate
What are social releasers?
Behaviours which encourage the caregiver to care for the infant
Smiling, crying
What is monotropy?
One more special and emotional bond formed often between the infant and biological mother but not always
What’s an internal working model?
The monotropic bond is used as a mental framework of relationships and how they should be
What’s the continuity hypothesis?
Strongly attached infants continue being socially and emotionally more competent than infants who didn’t
First NEP
Unscientific
Claims that attachments have evolved over time but can’t be tested throughout evolutionary history
Can’t be proven
Second NEP
Feminists argue monotropy places more of a burden on mothers
May be blamed if anything wrong happens in child’s life
Pressure to give up job, care for children
+ related to Ainsworth
Observed Ganda culture in Uganda
Infants had multiple rearers
Still formed a primary attachment
What’s the critical period?
Before 2 years
If they don’t form, children find it difficult to form attachments when older
Caregiver sensitivity should be shown through
Being cooperative and accessible
Why are secondary attachments important?
For healthy psychological development and a safety net e.g. if caregiver who has monotropic leaves
Secure attachment means
Current and future relationships are also positive and secure
- to percentage
13% of infants only had one attachment
Infants use their monotropic bond to make what?
Their internal working model
