multiple attachments

Question 1

what is bowlby’s monotypes theory ?

Answer 1

infants have a special and unique bond to one primary attachment figure (mother)

Question 2

what does Bowlby say about secondary attachments ?

Answer 2

other attachments are different in quality to the primary attachment

Question 3

explain what Bowlby meant by a “hierarchy of attachments”

Answer 3

one central caregiver at the top, any other attachments are below

Question 4

what did Rutter say about multiple attachments

Answer 4

all equivalent
same in quality to primary attachment
all attachments are integrated to produce infant’s attachment type

Question 5

what did Rutter say about multiple attachments

Answer 5

formed for different reasons - play, interaction

Question 6

strength of multiple attachments

Answer 6

I: supporting evidence
E: schaffer and emerson 31% of infants at 18mnths at 5 or more attachments, only 13% attached to 1 primary figure
C: increased validity of the idea that infants can form multiple attachments

Question 7

weakness of multiple attachments

Answer 7

I: difficulties in measuring multiple attachments
E: schaffer used behaviour such as separation anxiety or smiling as indicators. But an infant may show similar behaviours to their playmates - not true attachments
C: findings may not provide reliable evidence for multiple attachments