Bowlby's monotropic theory - AO1

Question 1

What is the monotropic theory?

Answer 1

• Suggests that attachment is an innate process that is important for a child’s survival
• Attachment behaviours in both babies and their caregivers have evolved through natural selection
• Bowlby’s theory is monotropic ; he emphasised attachment to one particular person
• This attachment is different and more important than any other attachments an infant may make

Question 2

What is the law of continuity and law of accumalated separation?

Answer 2

More time an impact spends with primary attachment figure = better quality attachment

Law of continuity - constant and predictable care leads to better attachment
Law of accumalated separation - effects of separation “add up”

Question 3

What are social releasers?

Answer 3

Babies born with social releasers (cooing, smiling) to get attention from adults
Attention = responsiveness = attachment

Question 4

What is the critical and sensitive period of humans?

Answer 4

Critical period = 6 months
Sensitive period = around two years

Question 5

What is the internal working model?

Answer 5

• A mental representation of what relationships should look like based on the relationships on has with their primary attachment figure
• This can later affect friendships and romantic relationships as well as later parenting behaviours
• Bowlby argued children form a model (schema) of what relationships are like based om primary attachment figure