0.5 Explanation for attachment - Monotropic theory

what is the idea of nature in attachment

nativism

evolutionary trait - innate behaviour for survival

what is the idea of nurture in attachment

empiricism

behaviour is learnt - John Locke

who suggested the monotropic theory

Bowlby

what was Bowbly’s monotropic theory 

monotropic - one 

‘mothers have a special relationship with the child’

‘fathers and non-biological carers ‘can’ form attachments’

• not a stage model 

• mutli-element model - attachment is an evolutionary trait 

• rejected learning theory due to animal research - cupboard love, imprinting 

what does Bowlby’s monotropic theory propose

attachment is innate, evolved to ensure survival, infants form 1 special attachment

• adaptive

• social releasers

• critical period

• monotropy

• internal working model

why did Bowlby say it was adaptive

attachment is innate

what are social releasers

babies have innate behaviours that trigger caregiving in adults

a reciprocal system

examples of social releasers

• crying

• proximity seeking - following and clinging

• looking

• smiling

• vocalising

increases chance of survival

what is the critical period

time period within which an attachment must form

outside this period it is impossible for an attachment/bonding to occur and there are long-term consequences

6 months - 2 ½ years

what is monotropy

one primary attachment figure - more important than others

law of continuity - consistent care = stronger attachment

what is the internal working model 

first attachment becomes a template for future relationships and expectations of love

influences adult relationships and parenting behaviour

Hazan and Shaver

love quiz

showed early attachment correlated with adult romantic relationships

shows early attachments influence later emotional behaviour

lorenz and harlow

both found early attachments must form within a biologically determined window

ainsworth

sensitive mothers = secure attachment

supports bowlby that quality of caregiving shapes attachment

schaffer and emerson

challenges idea of one special attachment

many infants form multiple attachments