Bowlby's Monotrophic Theory

• Focus on the attachment to one particular caregiver - most important attachment above all others

  Attachment is innate / biological to aid survival
• The 3 main ideas in this theory are...

  Emphasis on the attachment to one caregiver

  Another is that attachment is an innate biological drive - based on evolution theory , we attach for survival

  Third is the internal working model of attachment
• Law of Continuity

  More constant and predictable a child's care , the better the quality of their attachment
• Law of Accumulated Separation

  Effects of every separation from the mother add up

  ' Safest dose is zero '
• Social Releaser

  Babies born with innate cute behaviours ( cooing , smiling ) to encourage adults to give them attention

  Purpose is to cultivate adult interaction and encourage attachment to the baby
• Interplay ( reciprocity and interactional synchrony ) gradually builds the relationship between infant and caregiver
• Sensitive Period

  Around 6 months ( possibly extends to around 2 years ) when infant attachment system is active

  ( Unlike a critical period ) if an attachment is not formed in this time a child will find it much harder to form one later ( but not impossible )