Monotropic Theory

Question 1

First Principle

Answer 1

A child has an innate need to attach to one main attachment figure e.g. monotropy.

• there should be a primary bond which was much more important than any other (usually the mother).
• attachment is important for a child’s survival

Question 2

Second Principle

Answer 2

A child should receive the continuous care of this single most important attachment figure for approximately the first two years of life.

• mothering is almost useless if delayed until after two and a half to three years
• social releasers e.g. social interaction-smiling & crying.
• Critical period around 6 months when attachment system is active

Question 3

Long-term consequences of maternal deprivation

Answer 3

• difficulty making relationships
• reduced intelligence
• increased aggression
• depression
• affectionless psychopathy

Question 4

Internal Working Model

Answer 4

Bowlby proposed a child forms a mental representation of relationships with their primary attachment figure.
Serves as a model for what relationships are.
Having a loving relationship with caregiver- loving and reliable- have these qualities.
Having poor treatment from caregiver- form poor relationships, expect the poor treatment- treat others in that way.
Offers child’s later ability to be a parent themselves- base their experiences on their actions later in life.

Question 5

Feminist concerns

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Answer 5

Erica Burman 94-
Sets up mothers to take the blame for anything that goes wrong for the child in the future.
Excuse to restrict mother’s activities.

Question 6

Validity

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Answer 6

Schaffer and Emerson 64-
Found whilst babies did attach to one person first, minority formed multiple relationships at the same time.
Means Bowlby may be incorrect that there is a unique quality and importance to the child’s primary attachment.

Question 7

Social Releasers

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Answer 7

Evidence that cute baby behaviours designs to elicit interaction from caregivers.
Brazerlton observed babies trigger interactions with adults using social releasers.
When primary attachment figure ignored babies’ releasers it got distressed quickly even curled up and lay motionless.
Social releasers have a significant role in emotional development and attachment development.