Lesson 6 - Bowlby's Monotropic Theory

Question 1

John Bowlby’s Theory

Answer 1

He argued that attachments are an evolutionary trait and it is INNATE as we used to form attachments to aid survival as we do now. This directly challenges the Learning Theory as that argues that we LEARN to be attached.

Question 2

Monotropy

Answer 2

Bowlby argued that infants form many attachments but ONE holds special significance as the primary attachment.

This is explained through:

• The law of continuity: The more consistent the care of the CG is, the stronger the attachment will be.
• The law of accumulated separation: the effects of every period of separation add up so it is best to avoid it altogether.

Question 3

Social Releasers

Answer 3

‘Cute’ behaviours like smiling, laughing, and cooing attract attention from adults. This elicits caregiving. Both adults and infants have an innate drive to become attached and this is shown here.

Question 4

Critical period

Answer 4

Bowlby argued that there is a small window for attachment due to this being an unlearned phenomenon. This is within the first 2 years of life. It would be very difficult to form attachments outside this window if you have not already.

Question 5

Internal working model

Answer 5

Through attachments, the child forms a mental template of what a good relationship looks like. This aids the infant in future relationships

Question 6

A secure base

Answer 6

The caregiver acts as a safe place to return when threatened and allows them to increase their independence.

Question 7

Strengths of Bowlby’s theory

Answer 7

• Lorenz’s study of imprinting supports Bowlby’s idea that it is innate. Lorenz found that attachment is formed within hours of life to the first living thing the infant sees. This is similar to humans. Lorenz also found that if attachments were not formed during the critical period it would be difficult to do so, strengthening the idea that there is a critical period.
• Tronick et al (1992) supports monotropy, as he found that infants in an African tribe in Zaire were breastfed by many women but still showed one primary attachment
• Brazelton carried out an experiment where he asked primary caregivers to ignore the social releasers from the baby. They showed initial distress, but they eventually curled up and laid motionless. This shows that social releasers elicit reciprocity and caregiving.
• Bailey et al (2007) tested the internal working model by interviewing mothers about their relationship with their mothers. Those who said they had poor relationships were more likely to have a poor relationship with their own child. This is evidence of the internal working model as a template for future relationships.

Question 8

Weaknesses of Bowlby’s Theory of Monotropy

Answer 8

• Some psychologists argue that Bowlby put too much emphasis on the mother being the primary figure and that the secondary attachments were of less importance. He put attachments in a hierarchy whereas some psychologists argue that they are of equal importance
• Tizard and Hodges found that 21/22 4 year olds that were adopted were able to form a secure attachment with their adopted parents by age 8. This discredits the critical period as being significant.
• Bowlby ignores the role of the father. This is an outdated and sexist way of thinking, as he saw the father as purely economical. Nowadays fathers play a larger role in the upbringing of children