Bowlby’s monotropic theory

• Who proposed the theory of attachment in 1969?

  Bowlby
• What is essential for the survival chances of human infants according to Bowlby?

  Attachment behaviour
• Why are human infants born helpless?

  They depend on caregivers for survival
• What would happen if infants did not behave in ways that attract adult care?

  They would not survive to reproductive age
• What is the term for the template formed by an infant's attachment experiences?

  Internal working model
• How does the internal working model affect future relationships?

  It guides future adult relationships
• What are the three main features of Bowlby's theory of attachment?

  • Infants and caregivers are innately programmed to attach.
  • Attachment is a biological process during a critical period.
  • Attachment styles in infancy influence later relationships.
• What is the critical period for attachment formation according to Bowlby?

  0-30 months
• What happens if attachment does not form during the critical period?

  It may not develop at all
• What is the term for forming a single special attachment with one primary figure?

  Monotropy
• Who is usually the primary attachment figure for infants?

  The mother
• How does the hierarchy of attachments work according to Bowlby?

  Primary attachment is at the top, others below
• What supports the idea of monotropy and hierarchy in attachment?

  Research on the Efe tribe of Congo
• What do Efe women do in their tribe regarding infant care?

  Share care and breastfeed infants
• What is the role of the metaplet in Israeli kibbutzim?

  Primary caregiver during the day
• What was the outcome of Fox's study on attachment styles in kibbutzim?

  Infants formed strong attachments with mothers
• What is the continuity hypothesis in Bowlby's theory?

  • Attachment style in infancy creates an internal working model.
  • This model guides relationship behavior in later life.
  • Secure attachments lead to positive self-perception.
• How does a secure child develop its internal working model?

  Through sensitive emotional care from caregivers
• What internal working model does an insecure-avoidant child develop?

  Sees itself as unworthy
• What behaviors do babies exhibit that adults find 'cute'?

  Cooing, gurgling, smiling, laughing
• What emotions do babies' cries and distressed expressions evoke in adults?

  Caregiving emotions to alleviate distress
• Why are the behaviors of infants essential for their survival?

  They encourage adults to care for them