Monotropic Theory

• Internal working model- developed from the relationship with a primary caregiver, provides a template for future attachments, allowing individuals to predict their environment
• Continuity hypothesis- the idea that early attachments impact later development
• Bowlby (1969):

  • Suggests attachment is an evolutionary quality which increases the chance of survival, through proximity-seeking behaviour.
  • Babies are dependent on their parents, so they benefit from attachment which promotes interaction.
  • Attachment is mutually innate in babies and adults, ensuring that the infant can be in close contact with their parents. Parents need to be receptive to the infant's innate cues.
• Monotropic bond- unique bond with a caregiver which develops an internal working model and emotional maturity. Maintains proximity between the parent and infant, allows infant to develop an understanding of how to attach and bond to others
• Critical period- up to 2.5 years of age, when attachment takes place. If an attachment isn't formed in this time, then it will not occur, however there is a sensitive period of up to 5 years
• Evaluation of Bowlby's monotropic theory:

  • Supportive evidence- Ainsworth- observed that infants form one primary attachment despite being brought up by multiple carers
  • Contradictory evidence- Thomas- suggests it would be more beneficial for infants to have a network of attachments to support their social and emotional needs