Bowlby’s Theory

Question 1

Bowlby’s monotropic theory

Answer 1

One primary attachment figure, this attachment is different to others and important. The more time spent with this person (mother, mother figure) the better. A primary care giver acts as a secure base to explore the world from, but to run back to when scared.

Question 2

Attachment purpose according to bowlby

Answer 2

Attachment is innate and ensures survival.

Question 3

Law of continuity

Answer 3

Constant care leads to better quality of attachment

Question 4

Law of accumulated separation

Answer 4

The sum of separations adds up so the safest amount is zero separation.

Question 5

Social releases

Answer 5

Babies are born with innate behaviour (smiling, cooing etc) that ensure attention from adults which leads to a reciprocal process of attachment and ensures survival.

Question 6

Critical period

Answer 6

• bowlby proposed a critical period (sensitive) from 6 months to 2 years in which a child’s attachment system is active.
• If an attachment has not been formed in this time, a child will find it harder to form one later.

Question 7

Internal working model (of relationships)

Answer 7

This is a blueprint for future attachments. A child will form a mental representation of their relationship with their primary caregiver and this will severe as a template for all future relationships. This can also affects a child’s later ability to parent themselves.

Question 8

+ Brazelton: social releases (ao3)

Answer 8

Observed mother and babies use of social releasers during interactions. Results: When primary attachment figure told to ignore babies signals, the results showed Babies get distressed if social releasers ignored (some lay motionless or curled up). Backs up the importance of social releases.

Question 9

+ internal working model support (ao3)

Answer 9

Assessed attachment types in 99 mothers with 1 year old babies, using an interview and assessment via observation. Results: mothers who reported poor attachment in the interviews were classed as poor attachment type in the observation. Supports the internal working model component.

Question 10

Ao3 negatives:

Answer 10

-This theory ignores personality which could is important in the development of social behaviour therefore impacting on later parenting style.
- Bowlby underestimated the role of the father, he saw father’s role as primarily economic, the breadwinner and had nothing to do with the upbringing of the child. This is not the case as fathers can be the primary care giver if they take on the emotive/nurturer role. Bowlby’s theory is an outdated sexist view.