bowlby's monotropic theory evaluation

Question 1

(p) one limitation of bowlby’s theory is that the concept of monotropy lacks validity

Answer 1

(e)
● for example, other family members may develop attachments with baby that have the same qualities, such as comfort and a secure base from which to explore

● therefore, the relationship with the primary attachment figure may simply be stronger than other attachments, rather than different in quality, as bowlby believed

(c)
● this means that bowlby may have been wrong to suggest that there is a unique quality to a child’s primary attachment

Question 2

(p) a problem with the concept of monotropy is that it is socially sensitive because of implications for mothers lifestyle

Answer 2

(e)
● this is because bowlbys idea that the child has one attachment (to the mother) that is crucial to development places stress and restrain on mother

● bowlby argued that any seperation from the caregiver (i.e. mother) during the critical period is likely to negatively effect the quality of the attachment and the child’s development

(c)
● therefore, this is problematic as it suggest that, if anything goes wrong in the child’s ability to form an attachment, it is the mother to blame

● additionally, following this idea may pressurise some women to stay at home longer and / or give up work, resulting in financial difficulties

Question 3

(p) one strength of bowlby’s theory is evidence supporting the role of social releasers

Answer 3

(e)
● researchers instructed primary attachment figures to ignore their babies signals (e.g. smiling, cooing)

● babies (who were previously shown to be normally responsive) initially showed some distress, but eventually lay curled up and motionless

(c)
● this supports the idea that social releasers play an important role in attachment development, as bowlby states

Question 4

(p) there is also supporting evidence for bowlby’s idea of an internal working model

Answer 4

(e)
● researchers studied 99 mothers, finding those with poor attachment to their own parents

● were more likely to have one year olds who were poorly attached

(c)
● this shows that bowlby was accurate in his idea of early attachments influencing future relationships and are ultimately passed on through generations

(counter)
● however, there are other influences on social development

● for example, a baby’s genetically influenced personality is important in the development of social behaviour, including their later parenting style

● this suggests that bowlby overemphasised the importance of the internal working model in development