Bowlby's monotropic theory

who is Bowlby Influenced by

Lorenz and Harlow

Bowlby argued attachment is what

innate system that evolved to aid survival.

why do infant attach

protection and food

why do parent attach

ensure offspring survival

Monotropy

Infants form one primary attachment bond to a main caregiver.

Monotropy two laws

Law of continuity or Law of accumulated separation

Law of continuity

More constant, predictable care = better attachment.

Law of accumulated separation

Every separation from the primary caregiver adds up and impacts the child.

Social Releasers

Innate behaviors that trigger adult caregiving responses.

Innate behaviors

smiling, cooing, gripping, 'cute' baby faces

Critical Period

Attachment must form early (around 3 to 6 months).

what happens when the Critical Period is missed

forming future attachments becomes very difficult

sensitive period

36 months

Internal Working Model

The primary attachment acts as a mental schema for future relationships.

what does a loving caregiver leads to

positive relationship expectations

negative primary bond lead to

poor future relationships.