Lesson 6: Bowlby's Monotropic Theory

Question 1

Why does Bowlby state attachments form?

Answer 1

An instinct that was evolved as it increases the chances of both the babies survival and the parents’ passing on their genes. It is adapted and infants will stay close to their attached caregiver to survive. Parents will ensure care so they have successfully passed on their genes.

Question 2

How does Bowlby state attachments form?

Answer 2

Innate behaviours (attaching) have a critical period to occur or they never will (2 years). No infant attachments means difficulty long-term forming them. Social releasers (smiling, crying) help develop attachments. Monotropy (one special bond usually the mother). Secondary attachments provide emotional safety nets and healthy psych and social development.

Question 3

How did Bowlby state that sensitivity affected attachments?

Answer 3

Attachment is determined by the caregivers sensitivity. Infants who are more strongly attached tend to have a caregiver who is responsive, co-operative and more accessible than less closely attached fans.

Question 4

What are the consequences of attachment?

Answer 4

Monotropy is used to form a template of relationships (internal working model). Secure relationships mean positive working model, future relationships would be positive and secure. Continuity hypothesis, secure infancy means secure adulthood

Question 5

Negative evaluation of Bowlby’s mono tropic theory

Answer 5

1. Schaffer and E, multiple attachments more common then monotropy. At 18 months, only 13% had 1 attachment
2. Feminists, burden and responsibility on women, stay at home, father role, outdated
3. Tizard and Hodges, 4 year old adopted children form relationships (against 2 year period)
4. Unscientific, impossible to test similarities through time
5. Kegan argued attachment style was due to innate characteristics. Rovine found 1-3 day children showing signs of instability were more likely to insecure attached.