Bowlby's Monotropic Theory of Attachment
Bowlby's attachment theory proposes an evolutionary explanation for the formation of strong bonds between infants and their primary caregivers. This theory emphasizes the importance of a single, consistent attachment figure for optimal child development and future relationships.
The theory is based on two key principles:
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The Law of Continuity: This principle states that the more constant and predictable a child's care is, the better the quality of attachment will be.
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The Law of Accumulated Separation: This principle suggests that the effects of every separation from the mother add up, potentially impacting the attachment relationship.
Highlight: Bowlby's theory emphasizes the child's attachment to one particular person, known as monotropy.
Bowlby proposed that attachment is an innate system that provided a survival advantage from an evolutionary perspective. This idea forms the foundation of the evolutionary explanation of attachment psychology.
Vocabulary: Social releasers are innate behaviors in babies that activate the adult attachment system, helping to build the attachment relationship.
The theory also introduces the concept of a critical period, which is approximately the first two years of life when the infant attachment system is most active. After this period, it becomes more challenging to form secure attachments.
Definition: The internal working model is a mental representation of relationships formed based on the child's relationship with their primary caregiver.
This internal working model influences future relationships and even affects the child's later ability to parent. Loving relationships in early childhood are thought to lead to positive relationship expectations, while poor early relationships may result in difficulties in future relationships.
Example: A child who experiences consistent, loving care from their primary caregiver is likely to develop an internal working model that views relationships as safe and nurturing.
The theory has received mixed support from research. While some studies have provided evidence for certain aspects of the theory, others have challenged its core principles.
Quote: "Schaffer and Emerson (1964) found many babies could form multiple attachments at once, not just one primary attachment like Bowlby suggested."
This finding challenges the concept of monotropy, suggesting that infants are capable of forming multiple significant attachments simultaneously.
