Monotropic Theory Flashcards
Bowlby date
1951
what did Bowlby argue?
argued that imprinting occurs in humans
Bowlby’s main claims
Attachment can be explained by evolution
We create one special attachments
We create an internal working model of attachment
There is a critical period of attachment
Attachment can be explained by evolution: we have evolved a biological need to
attach to our main caregiver
Attachment can be explained by evolution: this biological need has developed through
natural selection to ensure the survival of the child to maturity
We create one special attachments: Bowlby’s idea of monotropy is that we form
one main attachment
We create one special attachment: who is usually our main attachment?
our biological mother
We create one special attachment: forming this attachment has
survival value
We create one special attachment: staying close to our mother ensures
food and protection
We create one special attachment: a strong attachment provides a
safe base
We create an internal working model of attachment: forming an infant attachment gives us an
template for future relationships
We create an internal working model of attachment: we learn to
trust and care for others
We create an internal working model of attachment: this forms an internal working model for all
late attachments
We create an internal working model of attachment: the model is a working model because it can
change and develop over time, depending on how the persons relationships change
We create an internal working model of attachment: the primary caregiver provides the foundations for
the child’s future relationships