(unfinished) Explanations of attachment: learning theory and Bowlby’s monotropic theory. The concepts of a critical period and an internal working model.

What is Bowlby’s monotrophic theory in summary?

Bowlby’s monotropic theory is an evolutionary explanation of attachment. It states that babies have an innate attachment drive in order to survive, as security results in survival.

What evidence is there for Bowlby’s theory?

This is shown by the fact that babies will stay close to the caregiver (usually the mother) for safety. Bowlby’s theory is based on Lorenz’s theory of imprinting and Harlow’s contact comfort theories.

Define monotrophy.

Monotropy is the unique strong attachment that infants have to a single caregiver (usually the mother). This relationship is the most important attachment relationship a child will form - other relationships form in a hierarchy below this central one.

What is the internal working model (IWM)?

The IWN is a cognitive framework that helps the child to understand what a relationship is supposed to look like, it acts as a guide on how to conduct future relationships such as if other people can be trusted, or if relationships are loving. This schema is based on the work of both Freud and Harlow.

What does Bowlby suggest about a critical period?

Bowlby proposed that there is a critical period for attachment.

Attachment must happen in the first 2 ½  years after birth, or else they will never form an attachment and this will result in long-lasting negative social consequences.

This idea is based on Lorenz’s work.

What does Bowlby suggest about attachments in regards to separations and secure base behaviour?

• Bowlby suggests that stronger attachments will form if the care is consistent and weaker attachments form from long and/or frequent separations.

• As well as this, Bowlby states that infants with a good attachment to their primary caregiver will use the caregiver as a safe base from which to explore their environment, but will show distress if their carer leaves them or if a stranger approaches.

What does Bowlby suggest regarding signals?

• Bowlby suggests that babies instinctively use signals that attract a caregiver’s attention (such as crying, smiling, vocalisations)

• Caregivers are biologically programmed to find certain behaviours (such as smiling) cute and others (such as crying) distressing.

• These behaviours are called social releasers and are used to activate caregiver attachment.

How can we remember all of Bowlby’s theories?

SCAMI:

• Social releasers

• Critical period Attachment-consistency

• Monotrophy

• Internal working model.