Bowlbys monotropic theory

• Bowlby put forward an important theory of attachment, based on the work of the ethologists. He saw humans as being just like other animals we have an INNATE tendency to form attachments with a caregiver. He adopted the idea of a CRITICAL PERIOD from ethologists like Lorenz, and applied this to his explanation of how human infants form their attachments.
• Evolutionary Theory: Attachment is innate: Bowlby believed that the tendency to form attachments is an innate behavior that enhances survival. Infants are biologically programmed to form bonds with caregivers, which ensures they are protected and cared for.
• Learning Theories:Attachment is learned: This theory suggests that infants form attachments based on the provision of food, as they associate their caregivers with nourishment and other basic needs.
• What is the main idea behind Bowlby’s Monotropic Theory of Attachment?


  Attachments are adaptive and increase survival chances.
• How do attachments help infants according to Bowlby’s theory?


  They provide safety and security, increasing the likelihood of survival.
• What are social releasers in the context of Bowlby’s theory?


  Physical and behavioral traits that trigger caregiving instincts in adults.
• What are examples of social releasers mentioned in Bowlby’s theory?


  Baby face, proportions, crying, smiling, and cooing.
• What is the critical period for attachment according to Bowlby?


  Up to 6 months, possibly extending to age 2.
• What can happen if attachments are not formed within the critical period?


  It may lead to long-term emotional, social, and physical difficulties.
• What does the term 'monotropy' refer to in Bowlby’s theory?


  The idea that infants form a primary attachment to one key caregiver.
• Who is typically considered the key caregiver in monotropy?


  Often the biological mother.
• How does the continuity hypothesis relate to Bowlby’s Monotropic Theory?


  It suggests that the key attachment impacts future relationships.
• What are the outcomes for infants with secure attachments according to Bowlby?


  They tend to develop emotional and social competence.
• What can result from insecure attachments in infants?


  Challenges in emotional and social areas.
• What is the internal working model in Bowlby’s theory?


  A mental blueprint for how relationships should function.
• How does the attachment bond influence future relationships according to Bowlby?


  It teaches trust, security, and patterns of interaction.
• What is the evolutionary aspect of Bowlby’s theory of attachment?


  Attachment is biologically pre-programmed to ensure survival.
• What behavior does attachment lead to in children according to Bowlby?


  Proximity-seeking behavior to stay close to caregivers.
• How does Bowlby’s theory of attachment compare to imprinting in animals?


  Both emphasize the importance of attachment for survival.
• What are the key principles of Bowlby’s Monotropic Theory of Attachment?


  • Attachments are adaptive for survival.
  • Social releasers trigger caregiving instincts.
  • Critical period for attachment is up to 6 months, possibly 2 years.
  • Monotropy emphasizes a primary attachment to one caregiver.
  • Internal working model serves as a blueprint for future relationships.
  • Evolutionary aspect highlights biological programming for attachment.
• Who supported Bowlby's theory regarding the internal working model?


  Hazan and Shaver
• What was the purpose of the 'love quiz' published by Hazan and Shaver in 1987?


  To gauge participants' attachment styles in infancy and adult relationships
• What correlation did Hazan and Shaver find in their study?


  They found a correlation between attachment type in infancy and the nature of later relationships
• What does it imply if a child was securely attached in infancy according to Hazan and Shaver's findings?


  They would have healthy adult relationships
• What is the significance of attachment styles according to Bowlby's theory and Hazan and Shaver's findings?


  • Attachment styles provide a blueprint for later relationships
  • These styles follow individuals throughout life
• What was the sample size of McCarthy's (1999) study?


  40 women
• What age range did the participants in McCarthy's study fall into?


  25-42 years
• What relationship did McCarthy's study investigate?


  The relationship between mother-child attachment and the quality of adult relationships
• How much more likely were participants with negative parenting to experience difficulties in adult relationships?


  Six times more likely
• What type of relationships did women who were secure as infants tend to have?

  Better friendships and relationships
• What difficulties did women who were insecure avoidant face?


  Struggled with romantic relationships
• What difficulties did women who were resistant face?

  Struggled with friendships
• What do the results of McCarthy's study suggest about childhood experiences?


  • Quality of childhood experiences with parents influences adult relationships
  • Negative parenting leads to difficulties in adult relationships
  • Secure attachment in infancy leads to better adult friendships and relationships
• What is one limitation of Bowlby's theory of monotropy?


  It lacks validity in claiming that infants form a primary attachment to one specific caregiver.
• Who conducted research that contradicts Bowlby's claim about primary attachment?

  Schaffer and Emerson in 1964.
• What did Schaffer and Emerson find regarding infant attachments?


  Many infants formed multiple attachments simultaneously by 18 months.
• What percentage of infants had at least 5 attachments by 18 months according to Schaffer and Emerson?


  32% of infants.
• What preference did one third of infants show in Schaffer and Emerson's study?


  They showed a preference for their father.
• How do Schaffer and Emerson's findings challenge Bowlby's assertion about attachment figures?


  They suggest that multiple attachment figures can be critical for a child's development.
• What do the findings from Schaffer and Emerson imply about the role of fathers in attachment?


  Fathers can also provide emotional support and security.