Monotropic theory of attachment

Question 1

Attachments evolved

Answer 1

Ability to form an attachment is innate

Has evolved through natural selection as it aids survival

E.g. by maintaining proximity an infant is more likely to survive because of the protection provided by the primary attachment figure

Question 2

Social releasers

Answer 2

Innate infant behaviours e.g. smiling or crying that cause the primary caregiver to respond

Bowlby - babies are born with a set of cute behaviours to encourage attention from adults

Primary caregivers who respond sensitively help create a secure internal working model in the infant

Attachment is a reciprocal process; both PCG and infant have an innate predisposition to become attached and social releasers trigger that response

Question 3

Monotropy

Answer 3

Infants form multiple attachments but one is more important

Occurs with PCG

Quality depends on infants working model

Question 4

Law of continuity

Answer 4

The more constant a child’s care is, the better the quality of their attachment

Question 5

Law of accumulated separation

Answer 5

The effects of being separated from the PCG add up and that it is best to avoid this

Question 6

Critical period

Answer 6

Internal working develops during critical period (2.5 years) which is when an attachment must form

If not, the infant will experience permanent emotional damage and lasting relationship difficulties into adulthood

Bowlby viewed this as a sensitive period and if an attachment is not formed during this time, it will be harder to form one later

Question 7

Internal working model

Answer 7

Part-conscious and part-unconscious set of rules and expectations about relationships, based upon the relationship experienced with PAF