Bowlby's monotropic theory (Explanations of attachment) Flashcards
(16 cards)
What is described in Bowlby’s Monotropic Theory
claims that attachment is an innate process that gives a survival advantage (It’s adaptive)
includes:
social releasers
critical periods
monotropy
internal working model
What are social releasers according to Bowlby’s monotropic theory
describe the set of biologically predisposed behaviours on the part of a baby which encourage adults to attach to and feel love towards the child as part of a reciprocal process. (e.g gurgling sounds, cute giggling)
These behaviours are advantageous to babies’
chances of survival since they draw and retain the necessary adult attention and care.
What is a critical period according to Bowlby’s monotropic theory
period in which attachments
must form (6 months and 2.5 yrs)
However, some later research has shown that attachments can be formed outside the critical period, but that they develop much more slowly. So the ‘critical period’ should perhaps be modified to a ‘sensitive period’ – a time during which attachments form more easily
If attachment does not develop during the critical period, then it may well not develop at all.
What are the long term negative effects if not forming a attachment during the critical period
Issues with friendships, romantic relationships and other forms of social interaction.
- Emotional and behavioural problems can also result later in life (e.g, criminal behaviour).
What is monotropy according to Bowlby’s monotropic theory
Bowlby’s monotropic theory places great emphasis on a child’s attachment to one caregiver being different to, and more important than, others
- Bowlby called this figure
the ‘mother’ (although he accepted that it need not be the biological mother).
Today we refer to the ‘primary attachment figure’ as the person to whom a baby is most attached
What is internal working model of Bowlby’s monotropic theory
during early childhood, infants forms a mental representation of their relationship with their primary attachment figure
the IWM provides a model upon which the child will base all future relationships and has a
significant influence on an individuals’ expectations in relationships
What is the continuity hypothesis
treatment of a child by their primary attachment figure will lead to them expecting and accepting similar treatment in other relationships later in life
- a child who has grown up in a secure, loving environment and with a suitable primary attachment is likely to enjoy positive relationships later in life and be a good parent.
What are the three main features of the internal working model
1) a model of others as being trustworthy
2) a model of the self as valuable
3) a model of the self as effective when interacting with others.
What is the self-model in the IWM
determines how the individual sees themselves which will in turn impact their self confidence and the extent to which they depend on others
What is the other-model in the IWM
Determines how an individual perceives social interactions with other people and what
they expect from them.
What are strengths of Bowlby’s monotropic theory of attachment
Support for continuity hypothesis & internal working model
What are limitations of Bowlby’s monotropic theory of attachment
Ignores the significance of temperament
Contradicted by learning theory
Overlooks the role of the father and is outdated/sexist
Evaluate support for continuity hypothesis & internal working model as a strength of Bowlby’s monotropic theory of attachment
P: Research to support the continuity hypothesis and the internal working model.
E: Based on Bowlby’s research Hazan and Shaver created a ‘love quiz’ questionnaire to explore the idea that there is continuity between early attachment types and the
quality of later adult romantic relationships. Collected information regarding participant’s early
attachment types and their attitudes towards, and experience of, adult relationships. Those
who were securely attached as infants tended to have long lasting relationships as adults. People who were insecurely attached found adult relationships more difficult, tended to divorce,
and believed love was rare.
E: Supports the idea that childhood experiences have a significant impact on people’s later relationships
and as such suggests that theories relating to the continuity hypothesis and the internal working model have
at least some validity
Evaluate as ignoring temperament a limitation of Bowlby’s monotropic theory of attachment
P: Temperament may be an important factor in the
development of later social behaviours.
E: Temperament can be regarded as a child’s genetically-influenced personality. Innately, some babies are more anxious or sociable than others and such differences may influence how
relationships are conducted throughout life
E: Limitation of monotropic theory because if temperament does have a significant impact on how people conduct relationships this would suggest that Bowlby has exaggerated the importance of a child’s
early experiences.
Evaluate as Contradicted by learning theory as a limitation of Bowlby’s monotropic theory of attachment
P: Ignores the nurture side of the nature-nurture debate.
E: Bowlby claims attachment has evolved as a behaviour that would enhance survival and therefore is innate (nature). This contradicts the learning theory that claims attachment is learnt through reinforcement/association (nurture).
E: Limitation of Bowlby’s monotropic theory of attachment as this suggests the theory may not be a
complete and valid explanation of attachment.
Evaluate as overlooking the father as a limitation of Bowlby’s monotropic theory of attachment
P: It overlooks the role of the father as it implies that he
is unimportant in the early stages of an infant’s life
E: Some research suggests that this is not the case. Grossman found that while mothers often do have the key nurturing role in child development, fathers often played an important role by engaging in play. In addition, in many families great importance is attached to equal responsibility for childcare, whilst in many others the
father is the primary caregiver.
E: Consequently, monotropic theory could be regarded as both outdated and sexist.
