Attachment- Bowlby’s Monotropic Theory

Question 1

What is bowlbys monotropic theory?

Answer 1

Rejected learning theory.
Took from Lorenz and Harlow, proposed an evolutionary explanation. Believed that attachment was innate and gives a survival advantage.

Question 2

What is the first element of the monotropic theory?

Answer 2

Monotropy.
Placed emphasis on child’s attachment to mother- different and more important than others. Separation extremely avoided.
Law of continuity- more consistent and predictable the child’s care, better quality of attachment.
Law of accumulated separation- effects of every separation from mother “add up”- zero separation is best.

Question 3

What is the second element of the monotropic theory?

Answer 3

Social releasers and the critical period.
Social releasers refer to the suggestion that babies are born with a set of innate cute behaviours like smiling, cooing and gripping which encourages attention from adults. Purpose is to activate adult attachment system.
Proposed there is a critical period of around 2 years when infant attachment is active.
If a child doesn’t form an attachment in this time, they will find it extremely difficult to form one later in life.

Question 4

What is the third element of the monotropic theory?

Answer 4

Internal working model.
Proposed that child forms mental representations of their relationship with their primary caregiver. serves as a model for what relationship relationships are like. internal working model affects child’s later ability to become a parent themselves. They based parenting behaviour on their own experiences of being parented.

Question 5

What is a strength of Bowlbys monotropic theory?

Answer 5

Supporting evidence.
Lorenz’s geese followed first moving adult they saw within 12-17hrs, supports critical period.
High internal validity.

Question 6

What are 2 weaknesses of Bowlbys monotropic theory?

Answer 6

Reductionist.
Interactionist would be more effective- suggested attachment is purely an innate survival mechanism, strictly nature based view.

Individual differences.
Anxiety/ sociability affects adult and baby behaviour, can affect parenting ability/attachments. Internal working model may not be fully parallel to their relationships- due to biological factors e.g. anxiety.
Reductionist, causing low internal validity.