proposed an evolutionary explanation of attachment - It aids the survival of the infant by ensuring its safety
Critical Period
saw the first two years of life as a critical period for the development of attachment - if one was not formed during this time it would be more difficult later
Social Releasers
particular features that trigger caregiving behaviours from their caregivers for example smiling and crying
Monotropy
innate tendency to become attached to one particular person - this attachment is different and more important than other attachments.
Internal Working Model
their primary attachment figure forms a mental representation of this relationship. From this the infant will construct their internal working model which consists of rules and expectations concerning their relationships and attachments with other people
Limitation (Bowlby)
Socially sensitive issue –This is because it has major implications for the lifestyle choices mothers make when their children are young
the law of accumulated separation
states that having substantial time apart from a primary attachment figure increases the risk of a poor quality attachment
Strength (Bowlby)
Support for the Internal working model - Hazan and Shavers found that adult romantic love can be related back to an individual’s attachment history
