explanations of attachment: monotropic theory

Question 1

main principles of monotropic theory

Answer 1

• infants form one attachment which provides an internal working model for future attachments
• must happen in critical period or else there is consequences

Question 2

what is a critical period

Answer 2

the tim in which an attachment must form if it is to form at all

Question 3

what are social releasers

Answer 3

• babies are born with an innate set of cute behaviours that activate adult interaction to make adult attach to the baby

Question 4

what is an internal working model

Answer 4

child forms a mnetal representation of their relationship with their primary caregiver - sets up idea of what other relationships look like
- bases future parenting on this

Question 5

ao3 for monotropic theoru

Answer 5

• bowlby theory lacks validity > schaffer and emerson argued that multiple attachments were formed > also set up for future > primary isnt most important
  + support for social releasers > brazelton > adults instructed to ignore babies social releasers > they acted differently (curled up) > illustrates role in emotional development
• support for interanl working modes > bailey et al > mothers with poor attachment to primary caregivers had poorly attached babies
• other factors like genetics not considered