A03

• Point: One limitation of Bowlby's theory is that the concept of monotropy lacks validity.

  Evidence: Schaffer and Emerson (1964) found that a significant minority of babies formed multiple attachments simultaneously.

  Explain: Moreover, such attachments may just differ in strength rather than quality as other family members can provide all the key qualities of a primary figure (e.g. emotional support)

  Link: Therefore, this challenges Bowlby's notion of a unique and singular primary attachment figure.
• Point: One strength of Bowlby's theory is the evidence supporting the role of social releasers.

  Evidence: Brazelton (1975) demonstrated that babies' social releasers prompt caregiver interaction.

  Explain: In addition, babies became distressed and eventually lay motionless when the primary attachment figures were instructed to ignore the social releasers.

  Link: Thus, this supports Bowlby's theory outlining the critical role of these behaviours in initiating and maintaining attachment bonds.
• Point: A further strength of Bowlby's theory is support for the internal working model.

  Evidence: Bailey (2007) assessed the attachment of 99 mothers and their one-year-old babies and compared them to the attachment to the mothers’ own parents.

  Explain: The findings showed that mothers' attachment to their own parents influenced the attachment quality of their babies.

  Link: Hence, this reinforces the idea that early attachment experiences shape later attachment relationships, as explained through the internal working model.
• Point: However, there are likely other important influences on social development.

  Evidence: Kornienko (2016) draws attention to genetic differences in anxiety and sociability in both babies and adults.

  Explain: Such genetic variations could impact social behaviour and parenting abilities.

  Link: Therefore, this suggests that while Bowlby's theory offers valuable insights, it may not fully account for all factors influencing social behaviour and parenting.