7. Bowlby’s Theory - An Explanation of Attachment

• 1. Bowlby’s Theory

  Bowlby (1998), rejects learning theory.

  • Proposed evolutionary explanation, based on animal studies, Lorenz (1952) + Harlow (1958).
• 2. Bowlby’s Theory

  Bowlby (1998) - Evolutionary Explanation:

  • Emotional bonds = evolutionary functions.
  • Genetically programmed to behave in way to increase survival.
• 3. Bowlby’s Theory

  Monotropy:

  • One primary att. different from all others.
  • Law of Continuity.
  • Law of Accumulated Separation.
• 4. Bowlby’s Theory

  Social Releasers:

  • Smiling + Vocalising = maintains parent attention.
  • Following + Clinging = gain/maintain proximity, which allows exploration/play.
  • Danger from stranger/separation anxiety = att. behaviour activated to restore proximity.
• 5. Bowlby’s Theory

  Critical Period:

  • Innate drive to become attached.
  • 6 months - 2 years.
  • Sensitive period = 6 months.
  • No att. formed = difficulty forming one later.
• 6. Bowlby’s Theory

  Internal Working Model (IWM):

  • Template for future relationships, based on primary att. fig.
  • Continuity Hypothesis - emotionally secure infants will stay this way (i.e. socially confident in parenting/relationships).
• Bowlby’s Theory (Evaluation)

  Limitation:

  P - monotropy lacks validity.

  E - Schaffer + Emerson (1964), most infants attached to one person, minority formed multiple.

  E - 1st att. may just be stronger rather than different.

  L - Bowlby incorrect claiming unique quality/importance in primary att.
• Bowlby’s Theory (Evaluation)

  Strength:

  P - evidence supporting role of SRs.

  E - Brazelton et al. (1975) observed infants trigger interactions w/ adults through SRs.

  E - told to ignore SRs = distressed infants.

  L - role of SRs in emotional development important.
• Bowlby’s Theory (Evaluation)

  Strength:

  P - support for internal working model.

  E - Bailey et al. (2007), attachment relationships in mothers + infants.

  E - measured mothers att. to own primary att. fig., assessed quality att. in babies/

  L - mothers w/ poor att. to parents, poor attached babies; supports Bowlby in that mothers’ ability form att. influenced by IWM.
• Bowlby’s Theory (Evaluation)

  Limitation:

  P - important influences on social development.

  E - some psychologists believe genetic differences in anxiety/sociability affect social behaviour in babies/adults.

  E - differences could impact parenting ability.

  L - Bowlby overstated importance of IWM in social behaviour.