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Bowlby's Monotropic Theory

A theory suggesting that infants form a primary attachment to one key caregiver for survival and protection.

Innate System

Bowlby's idea that attachment behaviors are biologically programmed and evolved to enhance survival.

Social Releasers

Innate behaviors in infants, such as smiling and cooing, that trigger caregiving responses from adults.

Law of Continuity

The principle that consistent and predictable care leads to better quality of attachment.

Law of Accumulated Separation

The principle that each separation from the primary attachment figure negatively impacts the child.

Internal Working Model

A mental representation formed by a child based on their relationship with their primary caregiver, influencing future relationships.

Critical Period

A sensitive timeframe (around three to six months) during which attachment must occur for healthy emotional development.

Learning Theory

A perspective suggesting that attachment is learned through experiences and associations, rather than being innate.

Classical Conditioning

A learning process where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with an unconditioned stimulus, leading to a conditioned response.

Operant Conditioning

A learning process where behaviors are reinforced or punished, influencing the likelihood of their repetition.

Harlow's Research

Studies by Harry Harlow demonstrating that attachment in rhesus monkeys is based on comfort rather than feeding.

Imprinting

A rapid form of attachment seen in some animals, where they follow the first moving object they see after birth.

Stages of Attachment

Four developmental phases identified by Schaffer & Emerson:Asocial, Indiscriminate, Specific, and Multiple Attachments.

Reciprocity

A mutual interaction where infants and caregivers respond to each other's signals, forming the basis for secure attachment.

Interactional Synchrony

The coordinated mirroring of actions and emotions between an infant and caregiver, crucial for attachment development.

Still Face Experiment

A study showing how infants react to a lack of emotional engagement from their caregiver, highlighting the importance of interaction.

Schaffer & Emerson's Study

Research identifying the stages of attachment through observations of infants and their mothers in a natural setting.

Limitations of Learning Theory

Evidence from studies showing that attachment is not solely based on food or learned behaviors, but also on comfort and emotional connection.