explanations of attachment: bowlby's theory

• Imprinting


  Evolutionary mechanism for young animals' attachment.
• Monotropic


  Emphasis on one primary attachment figure.
• Primary Attachment Figure


  Main caregiver providing emotional support.
• Critical Period


  Sensitive phase for forming attachments, up to 2 years.
• Internal Working Model


  Mental representation of relationships formed by children.
• Social Releases


  Behaviors encouraging adult attention towards infants.
• Separation Accumulation


  Cumulative effect of separations on attachment quality.
• Quality of Care


  Consistency in caregiving enhances attachment security.
• Expectations of Relationships


  Child's early experiences shape future relationship views.
• Template for Relationships


  Model influencing future relational behaviors and parenting.
• Bowlby's (1958, 1969) Monotropic Theory of Attachment- ATTACHMENT IS INNATE, LIKE IMPRINTING: can imprinting be evolved (animals), does it give a survival advantage


  - it can be evolved as it ensures young animals stay close to caregivers and avoid hazards.

  - it gives a survival advantage
• Bowlby's (1958, 1969) Monotropic Theory of Attachment- MONOTROPIC= A PRIMARY ATTACHMENT FIGURE: why is it described as monotropic? and is this type more important/different?


  - described as monotropic because of Childs attachment to the caregiver

  - mono = one, tropic = leaning towards

  - different from others and more important
• Bowlby's (1958, 1969) Monotropic Theory of Attachment- MORE TIME SPENT WITH MOTHERS= BENEFICIAL: what are the two laws outlined?

  1) LAW OF CONTINUITY= the more constant a Childs care is, better quality of attachment

  2) LAW OF ACCUMULATED SEPARATION= effects of every separation add up, 'safest dose is zero dose
• Bowlby's (1958, 1969) Monotropic Theory of Attachment- BABIES ARE BORN WITH SOCIAL RELEASERS: what type of behaviours are babies born with, and what do the social releasers activate

  - 'cute' behaviours (smiling, cooing and gripping) which encourages attention from adults

  - social releasers activate adult attachment systems (feel love towards the baby) = reciprocal system
• Bowlby's (1958, 1969) Monotropic Theory of Attachment- THERES A CRITICAL PERIOD: is this a sensitive system? if it is, up to what age? what happens if attachment is/isnt formed in this time?

  - it is a sensitive system

  - sensitive up to 2yrs

  - if attachment isnt formed in this period = harder to form one later on
• Bowlby's (1958, 1969) Monotropic Theory of Attachment- FIRST ATTACHMENT FORMS AN INTERNAL WORKING MODEL OF RELATIONSHIPS:

  is a mental representation made? how is it shown in later life?

  - a mental representation is made with primary caregiver

  - model = 'template' for how relationships are

  - if a Childs first experience is rich in love, an expectation is formed overtime that this is the love they should always receive, same for poor treatment

  - the model may effect a child in their later life when becoming a parent
• Strengths of bowlbys (1958 and 1969) Theory

  + clear evidence supports the existence/value of social releasers

  + support for the idea of an internal working model- Bailey et al study (99months)
• Limitations of bowlbys (1958 and 1969) Theory


  - socially sensitive because of implications for mothers lifestyle, wasn't bowlbys intention though
• Bowlby's Research


  Studies supporting attachment theory's foundational concepts.
• Caregiver Reliability


  Consistent caregivers foster secure attachments.
• Child Development


  Early attachments influence later social behaviors.
• Attachment Security


  Stable emotional bonds lead to healthier relationships.
• How many mums did Bailey et al study, supporting the internal working model?

  99 mums