ASCMI

• What does the A stand for?

  Adaptive:

  Attachments can change. They enable us to effectively adapt to our environment, e.g., learning to walk. Attachment is a behaviour that has evolved because of its survival value
• What does the S stand for?

  Social releasers:

  Babies are born with the tendency to display innate behaviours and characteristics which help ensure proximity and contact with the mother or attachment figure. These are species-specific behaviours.
• What does the C stand for?

  Critical period:

  A specific time frame when attachments are formed (0-2 years for humans). Development takes place more rapidly during the critical period but can still take place at other times (sensitive period). Attachments not formed during this time can lead to low intelligence and increased aggression.
• What does the M stand for?

  Monotropy:

  Bowlby suggested that a child would initially form only one primary attachment (monotropy), this attachment figure acts as a secure base for exploring the world. Acts as a base for all future relationships.
• What does the I stand for?

  Internal working model:

  Your first attachment forms a template (schema) for your adult relationships. Gradually the infant develops a model about emotional relationships. This model is a cluster of concepts about relationships and what to expect from others.