Explanations of attachment: Bowlby's monotropic theory

Question 1

Bowlby’s monotropic theory full explanation

Answer 1

-Bowlby’s monotropic theory is an evolutionary explanation of attachments; Bowlby believes that infants have an innate drive to form a strong attachment with their mother (monotropy) and remain in close proximity to them. Bowlby suggests that this is essential for the survival of the infant, as the mother provides food and security
-To help develop the monotropic bond, babies will instinctively use signals called social releasers (e.g crying/screaming) to get the attention of their mother. Bowlby’s monotropic theory suggests that all mothers are biologically programmed to see these behaviours as either cute or distressing
-Influenced by Lorenz’s findings on the 32 hour critical period of geese, Bowlby suggested that humans had a critical period too and that if a strong monotropic attachment is not formed within 30 months of birth, then it will result in social, intellectual, and emotional consequences for the infant
-Bowlby also claimed that the monotropic relationship formed between a mother and infant, forms a blueprint for future relationships; this internal working model guides our beliefs on if people are trustworthy and whether a relationship is loving
-Finally, Bowlby also suggested that a stronger caregiver-infant attachment will form when the care is more consistent, and the attachment is weaker if there are frequent separations. The strength of attachments can be seen through safe-base behaviour; if an infant is securely attached to their mother then they will use their mother as a base to safely explore environments

Question 2

Negative evaluation of Bowlby’s monotropic theory ( based on Lorenz’s findings later research on orphans proved it wrong)

Answer 2

-Parts of Bowlby’s monotropic theory was based on Lorenz’s findings of the 32 hour critical period of geese; Bowlby argued that humans had a similar critical period of 30 months
-However, the difficulty of generalising animal behaviour to human behaviour is shown as later research on orphans found that this period is “sensitive” rather than critical, as it is important but the consequences are not permanent as Bowlby states, but can be improved on with later care

Question 3

Positive evaluation for Bowlby’s monotropic theory (practical application in early childcare)

Answer 3

-Bowlby’s monotropic theory has real world practical application in early childcare; for example, physical contact between the mother and their infant is encouraged in the first few hours of birth and adoptive agencies focus on getting the children integrated into loving families as quickly as possible after birth

Question 4

Negative evaluation (alpha bias+temporal validity)

Answer 4

-Bowlby’s monotropic theory is criticised for suffering from alpha bias, exaggerating gender differences
-Bowlby argues that the father’s role is to provide resources for the family whereas the mother’s has a critical role in monotropy
-This is likely based on 1940s world views but now does not have temporal validity, as in the modern day, both parents are likely to share caregiving