Bowlby Attachment

• According to Bowlby's monotropic attachment theory, attachment is what kind of factor?


  Biological
• What was Bowlby interested in?


  Caregiver-Infant interactions
• According to Bowlby, why is attachment innate?

  Because it has an adaptive benefit
• What are the principles of the monotropic theory? (MS CASI)

  • Adaptive
  • Monotropy
  • Social Releasers
  • Critical Period
  • Secure Base For Exploration
  • Internal Working Model
• Adaptive?


  Children have an innate drive to become attached; it has long-term benefits. Increase survival and protection.
• Monotropy?


  Primary attachment is the most significant. This is the person who responds most sensitively to the infants needs (social releasers). Forms foundations of emotional development, self-esteem etc. This links to secondary attachments- no social skills if not done.
• Social Releasers?


  Characteristics that elicit caregiving.

  Such as: Crying, Smiling or having chubby cheeks and big eyes.
• Critical Period?


  Crucial period of time for attachments to form. (Bowlby believed) Before child turned 2 and a half.
• Secure Base For Exploration?


  Safe base from which a child can explore their surroundings.
• Internal Working Model?

  Developed in early childhood. Child Expect from relationships. Schema of trust or uncertainty.
• What is the Continuity Hypothesis?


  The idea that the Internal Working Model formats future relationships.
• A strength of Bowlby's attachment theory?

  The theory of critical period is supported by animal studies. A clear example of this, is Lorenz's study of geese. The study found that the critical period had an effect on who the geese followed after imprinting - the incubator group followed Bowlby and not their mother.

  Therefore, the study supports Bowlby's theory and as such, adds to its reliability.