Lesson 5: Bowlby's Monotropic Theory

Question 1

Why do Attachments form?

Answer 1

• An instinct that has evolved because it increases chances of survival (baby) and passing down genetics (parents).
• It is adaptive
• Infants attached to caregiver will stay close and will be protected, so will survive
• Parents who are attached to the caregiver will stay close to them, and make sure they survive so they are passing down genes.

Question 2

How do Attachments form?

Answer 2

• Infants have an innate drive to become attached to an adult
• Innate behaviours have a critical period where attachment occurs or it never occurs.
• If attachment never occurs, forming attachments later in life will be hard
• Attachment is determined by caregivers’ sensitivity. Those who are more strongly attached have a more responsive/accessible caregiver
• Social releases are important to ensure attachments develop. This includes smiling and crying, any behaviours that elicit caregiving
• Infants will have one special bond: monotropy. They also form secondary attachments that provide an emotional safety net and are vital for healthy psychology and social development

Question 3

Consequences of Attachment

Answer 3

• Forms an internal working model (mental view of relationships). Secure relationships in childhood = positive working model = current and future relationships will be positive + secure
• Continuity Hypothesis says children who are securely attached continue to be socially + emotionally competent because of their Internal Working Model.

Question 4

Evaluation (all negative)

Answer 4

• Multiple attachments are common that Monotropy. By 18 months, only 13% of infants had only one person they were attached to
• Feminists say Monotropy is socially sensitive, as it places a burden in the mother, setting them up for blame if something is wrong with the child. Bowlby underestimated the role of the father (economic) which is a sexist and outdated view.
• Children that never formed attachments by age 4 and were then adopted, still formed attachments with their foster parents, disproving the critical period theory
• Impossible to test the theory, so unscientific
• Kegan argued that the attachment formed was more to do with the infants innate temperament. Infants with behavioural instability between 1-3 days were more likely to have insecure attachments.