LS6 - Bowlby's Monotropic Theory

Question 1

Why Was The Learning Theory Rejected

Answer 1

An infant should readily be fed with anyone and be attached according to this but it clearly isn’t the case.

Question 2

Evolutionary Theory

Answer 2

Argues attachment is innate, and have evolved because they aid survival e.g. infants who stuck close to their mother were more likely to survive. Imprinting is also involved as it suggests the infanst stays closer to their caregiver.

Question 3

Monotropy

Answer 3

When there’s bias, and hence a primary attachment to one individual (mother). However, the individual still has secondary attachments

Question 4

Two Principles Explaining Monotropy

Answer 4

Law Of Continuity - The more predictable a child’s care, the better the quality of their attachment.
Law Of Accumulated Separation - The effects of every separation from a mother add up and therefore the safest dose is zero.

Question 5

Effects Of Primary Attachment Figure

Answer 5

Provides foundation for emotional development, self-esteem and later relationships.

Question 6

Hierachal Attachments

Answer 6

The primary attachment is the most important, and hence at the top of the hierachy i.e. secondary attachment.

Question 7

Social Releasers

Answer 7

Innate cute behaviours e.g. smiling, cooing and gripping which are important when forming an attachment. They’re innate and explain mother-infant attachment because they have an innate predisposition to responding to social releasers.

Question 8

Critical Period

Answer 8

First 2 years, time for monotropic attachment to form, ifit’s not formed it’ll be difficult for the baby to form any attachments in teh fture, as they’re sensitive during this time (sensitive period).

Question 9

Internal Working Model

Answer 9

A mental representation of their attachment with te primary caregiver, this becomes a template for future relationships and what to expect.

Question 10

Internal Working Model Consequences

Answer 10

It allows the infant to have an insight into the caregivers behaviour, forming a true partnership. It also creates expectations for future relationships, in the long term.

Question 11

Secure Base

Answer 11

Attachment is key for protection, acting as a secure base for the child to explore the world and return to when threatened.

Question 12

The Continuity Hypothesis

Answer 12

There’s consistency between early relationship and later emotional value: securely attached infants continue to be emotionally and socially competent.

Question 13

Strengths (+)

Answer 13

Animal Research For Imprinitng And Critical Period
Support For Monotropy
Support For Internal Working Model
Support For Contuinity Hypothesis.

Question 14

Weaknesses (-)

Answer 14

Counter Evidence Against Monotropy & Evidence For Multiple Attachments
Attached Can Be Formed After Critical Period
Poor first Attachments Don;t Mean Poor Attachments Later
Role Of Father Ignored

Question 15

Animal Research For Imprinting & Critical Period (+)

Answer 15

Lorenz geese eggs study, he also found if they didn’t imprint during the critical period then they wouldn’t be able to imprint in the future, making it difficult to later form attachments.

Question 16

Support For Monotropy (+)

Answer 16

Brazelton - Observed mothers and babies for interactional synchrony, primary attachment figures were told to ignore their signals (social releasers at first they showed distress and then they lay motionless. This supports how infants rely on their monotropic attachment

Question 17

Support For Internal Working Model (+)

Answer 17

Bailey Et Al - Assessed the quality of 99 mother’s parent relationships through interview, and then observed their relationship with their infant. Those parents that implied poor childhood attachments, had poor attachments with their infant.

Question 18

Support For Contuinity Hypothesis (+)

Answer 18

Minnesota study followed participants from infancy to late adolescence finding continuation between early attachment and later emotional relationships.

Question 19

Counter Evidence Against Monotropy & Evidence For Multiple Attachments (-)

Answer 19

It’s argued Bowlby put too much emphasis on the primary attachment e.g. fathers help in social development, and sibling relationships, the idea of multiple attachments is therefore emphasised.

Question 20

Attachment Can Be Formed After Critical Period (-)

Answer 20

It may be harder to form attachments after the critical period, but it’s still possible. Adopted children are still able to form attachments with their adoptive parents.

Question 21

Poor First Attachments Didn’t Mean Poor Attachments Later (-)

Answer 21

Research shows difficult childhoods/insecure attachments can develop positive/secure relationships, factors like a positive school environment can impact this.