Bowlby's Monotropic Theory

• Monotropic theory

  Attachment is adaptive as infants have an innate drive to survive and seek caregivers for safety. Infants use social releasers which are behaviours that elicit a caregiving response. As attachment is a biological process it must occur in the critical period of 2 1⁄2 years otherwise it will not form. The attachment we form is monotropic, meaning it is with one particular person. This attachment will be the basis for our internal working model: template for all future relationships. According to Bowlby’s continuity hypothesis, this template passes through generations.
• Strengths of Bowlby’s monotropic theory

  It has had a significant impact on how children are looked after, for example hospital visiting hours in hospital have been increased, as we understand the importance of love and care. Hazen and Shaver’s love quiz supports the continuity hypothesis as they found that adults who were securely attached as children had loving, trusting and lasting relationships as adults.
• Weaknesses of Bowlby's monotropic theory

  Schaffer and Emerson showed that around 30% of children formed multiple attachments at 7 months and by 18 months this figure was 90%. This shows multiple attachments rather than one are key to normal development. Bowlby’s theory ignores the role of the father in attachment and can be criticised for being outdated and sexist. It is very socially sensitive research as it implies that women should be the ones caring for the children and for those who do chose to work it suggests they are neglecting the development of their children.
• Monotropy – the one attachment that is held above all others, usually with the mother.

  Internal working model – this is a mental representation of what all future relationships will be like based on the attachment with the primary caregiver.

  Continuity hypothesis – the attachment you have as a child will continue into your later relationships.