bowlby's monotropic theory

Question 1

what is the monotropic theory of attachment?

Answer 1

suggests infants form one special attachment (innate), usually to the mother, which is more important than others. This bond provides a secure base, supports survival, shapes future relationships and emotional development.

Question 2

What does ‘monotropy’ mean in Bowlby’s theory?

Answer 2

infant forms one strong, unique attachment with a primary caregiver, which is more important than any other attachment.

Question 3

What is the critical period in Bowlby’s Monotropic Theory?

Answer 3

first 2.5 yrs after birth. If an attachment is not formed during this period, the child may struggle with emotional, social, and cognitive development later in life

Question 4

what are social releasers?

Answer 4

Social releasers are innate infant behaviors like crying and smiling - trigger caregiving responses from adults = attachment formation

Question 5

strength- animal study support

Answer 5

Lorenz’s study on geese= attachment is innate and follows an imprinting process, supporting the idea of a critical period.

Harlow’s monkey study= the importance of comfort and attachment, showing infants seek more than just food.

Question 6

weakness- how does bowlby’s monotropic theory reflect determinism?

Answer 6

suggests that early attachment determines later relationships and emotional health. However, many people with poor early attachments develop healthy relationships = attachment is not entirely fixed.

Question 7

strength- How does Bowlby’s theory have real-world applications?

Answer 7

led to practical changes in childcare, such as encouraging immediate physical contact between mother and baby after birth to promote bonding. It also influenced social services to intervene early in neglection cases, recognising the importance of a strong primary attachment for healthy development.

Question 8

weakness- Why is Bowlby’s Monotropic Theory considered socially sensitive + lack temporal validity?

Answer 8

suggests mothers must be the primary caregiver for secure attachment, putting pressure on women to stay at home= reinforce traditional gender roles and blame working mothers for attachment issues in children.

Question 9

weakness- behaviourist explanation

Answer 9

Behaviourists argue that attachment is learned through the environment, suggesting it forms because the caregiver provides food. This ‘cupboard love’ theory claims the infant associates the mother with pleasure from being fed, offering an alternative explanation to emotional bonding theories.