Monotropy is a unique strong attachment to a single caregiver, the mother
babies have an innate attachment drive to survive, as security = survival
babies will stay close to one carer (usually mother) for safety
based on Lorenz's imprinting and Harlow's contact comfort theories
for strong attachment to take place Bowlby suggested that attachment must happen in the first 2-3 years after birth, if this does not happen it will result in long lasting negative social consequences
Safebase behaviour: Infants with good attachments will use mum as a base to explore their environment, but will show distress if mum disappears, or if a stranger approaches
Social releasers: Babies instinctively use signals (crying, smiling, vocalisations) that attract the caregivers attention, adults are biologically programmed to find these behaviours cute or distressing. This is focused on activating the caregivers attachment.
Monotropic theory is an evolutionary explanation developed by Bowlby
Monotropic theory states attachment is an innate system that gives a survival advantage, keeps young safe by ensuring they stay close to adult caregivers
The law of continuity stated that the more constant and predictable a child's care, the better the quality of their attachment
The law of accumulatedseparation stated that the effects of every separation from the mother add up 'and the safest dose is therefore a zero dose' (Bowlby1975)
