evolutionary/monotropic theory

• Bowlby's theory -1969

  -based on ideas of imprinting

  -according to theory attachment is an innate and adaptive process for both parent and child

  -evolved because it promotes survival

  -according to Darwin's theory of evolution any behaviour that increases successful reproduction makes it more likely for those genes to remain
• Bowlby - short term survival 


  attachment results in a desire to maintain proximity, anxiety on separation = ensuring safety

  theory suggests role of social releasers (crying) is to encourage a response

  = ensuring survival of infant
• Bowlby's - long term survival 


  attachment styles we learn as infants become an internal working model for what we believe relationships should be like - providing template for how to behave in future relationships = if child develops a good IWM they will be able to form secure romantic relationships - making having children more likely

  =ensuring survival of their genes
• monotropy hypothesis 


  one attachment relationship is more important (forms basis of IWM)
• critical period 


  attachment must form before 2.5 years otherwise there will be long term damage
• evaluation - support for the IWM, Hazar & Shaver = love quiz

  over 600 volunteer P's completed questionnaire

  consisted of 3 parts =

  -current relationship experiences

  -attachment history/childhood attachment

  -attitudes towards love

  = found childhood attachment types predilected later romantic relationships = supporting IWM
• methodological issues with the love quiz 1


  uses retrospective data , p's have to think back many months/years so memories might not be correct
• methodological issues with love quiz 2

  its a questionnaire - p's may be affected by social desirability bias because its a person topic and want to be seen in best light
• methodological issues with love quiz 3

  p's volunteered so sample is likely to be biased

  -people who are happy in their relationships more likely to take part = might not represent population and cant be generalised
• problems with IWM 


  may not be the IWM which is determining adult relationship behaviour - other factors that could effect = child of divorce,previous adult relationships,personality...

  =theory is deterministic
• support for monotropy hypothesis

  support from Efe tribe (Zaire) - live in extended family groups , babies get breastfed by multiple women but sleep with mother at night = mother is still primary attachment figure at 6 months

  -but maybe different relationships fulfil different needs therefore maybe 1 attachment bond isn't most important, they may be equally important in different ways
• evidence against Bowlby's critical period 


  critical period not so absolute, children who adopted after critical period can still form attachments = therefore 2.5 years may be a sensitive period rather than a cut off point - showing Bowlby's idea of critical period is flawed