Bowlby's theory Flashcards
(12 cards)
What is the main idea of Bowlby’s monotropic theory?
Bowlby believed that attachment is innate and evolved to increase survival. He rejected learning theory, arguing babies attach not just for food but because it improves chances of survival (e.g. through staying close to a caregiver).
What does Bowlby mean by monotropy?
Monotropy refers to the idea that a child forms one special attachment (usually to the mother figure) which is more important than others. Bowlby argued:
It doesn’t have to be the biological mother.
The more time spent with this primary figure, the better.
What are Bowlby’s two laws that support monotropy?
Law of continuity – more constant/predictable care = stronger attachment.
Law of accumulated separation – effects of every separation from mother add up; “the safest dose is therefore a zero dose” (Bowlby, 1975).
What role do social releasers play in Bowlby’s theory?
Social releasers (e.g. smiling, cooing) trigger attachment by activating adult social responses. Bowlby claimed these behaviors encourage interaction and are biologically programmed.
What is the critical period in Bowlby’s theory?
Bowlby proposed a critical period of about 6 months when infants must form an attachment. If not formed by age 2, it may be difficult to form one at all.
What is the internal working model in Bowlby’s theory?
It is a mental representation of a child’s first attachment. This influences:
Their expectations of future relationships.
Their ability to be a parent later in life.
Poor early attachments → poor relationship templates and parenting skills.
What evidence challenges the validity of monotropy?
Schaffer and Emerson (1964) found many babies formed multiple attachments at once. First attachment is stronger, not necessarily more different. This suggests there may not be a unique attachment.
What supports the role of social releasers?
Brazelton et al. (1975): babies became distressed and motionless when social releasers were ignored.
→ Shows babies are biologically programmed to elicit caregiving.
What evidence supports the internal working model?
Bailey et al. (2007): 99 mothers assessed on their attachment to their own mothers and their 1-year-old babies.
→ Poor attachment in mothers linked to poor attachment in their babies.
Supports the idea of generational transmission of attachment patterns.
What is a counterpoint to the internal working model?
Other factors (e.g. temperament or genetics) may influence attachment and social behaviour.
→ Bowlby may have overemphasised attachment history and ignored these.
What feminist criticisms are there of Bowlby’s theory?
Burman (1994): Theory burdens mothers, suggesting they’re to blame if anything goes wrong.
Working mothers may feel guilt.
On the other hand, Bowlby’s theory has real-world value in stressing early bonds and stability.
