Monotropic Theory

Question 1

Who came up with the monotropic theory

Answer 1

Bowlby

Question 2

What are the 5 aspects of the monotropic theory

Answer 2

Adaptive, Social Releasers, Critical Period, Monotropy, Internal Working Model.

Question 3

Explain adaptive

Answer 3

this is when babies adapt to survive. Darwin’s theory of evolution supports this as the innate behaviours are created through natural selection

Question 4

What are social releasers

Answer 4

Bowlby suggested that babies are born with innate behaviours that encourage attention from adults. these are both physical and behavioural. Bowlby recognised that attachment is reciprocal and the mother and baby have an innate predisposition to become attached and social releasers trigger that

Question 5

Explain the Critical period.

Answer 5

Bowlby said babies have an innate drive to become attached. this occurs during the critical period which is around 2 years of age. If children dont attach in this period then they’ll fail to in later life (Harlow)

Question 6

Explain monotropy

Answer 6

Bowlby said that the relationship between an infant and a PCG is important in the infants emotional development. Their PCG is the most important relationship to be formed.

Question 7

what are the two laws in monotropy

Answer 7

The law of continuity - constant childcare (positive), Law of accumulated separation- abandonment (negative)

Question 8

What is the internal working model

Answer 8

This is when a child forms a mental representation of their relationship with their PCG. This acts as a template for all future relations and generated expectations. (Harlow)