Bowlby's Monotropic Theory P1 Flashcards
Outline Bowlby’s Monotropic Theory of Attachment
Bowlby believed that developing children have innate biological programming to attach to a primary caregiver to ensure their own survival.
An in-built fear of strangers is present as this reduces the chances of a child coming to harm from a potential predator- an animal higher in the food chain.
Who is the child most likely to attach as their primary caregiver?
Most likely a mother or father as they’ve the most presence within the child’s life.
Is Bowlby’s theory aligned with nature or nurture? Explain why.
Bowlby believed we all naturally have need to attach for our survival.
This is not a learnt method that has been passed down but we are simply biologically programmed to do so as this is beneficial for our own well being but also the continuation of the species.
According to Bowlby, how long should a child have adequate interactions with their primary caregiver?
Two years.
This will ensure they develop proper bonding between each other and the child learns how to socialise and interact with other people which will help them later in life.
What did Bowlby say where the problems of inadequate caregiver attachment during childhood?
- Struggling to make friends
- Depression
- Increased aggression
- Reduced intelligence and capability for learning
Why kind of symptons of maternal deprivation would be exhibited by a child?
Protest: The child will demand their caregiver is present and likely attempt to follow them if they’ve left the immediate area.
Despair: Child will eventually give up and resign to the fact that their caregiver is unlikely to return and may feel sad and depressed as a result.
Detachment: The bond may eventually diminish over time and the child feels disconnected from their caregiver and no longer relies on them as they would’ve done before.
