Bowlby's theory

Bowlby's theory

1. Key concepts of Bowlby's theory..

   • Attachment is instinctive
     • Bowlby found that attachment behaviours in babys is crying, smiling ect which is also known as social releasers which then encourages the care-giver to give the child attention, and will get their attention because there is a motherly instinct to take care of the baby.
   • Monotropy
     • Bowlby's idea there is only one main attachment figure, and that everyone else comes in a heirarchy of attachment levels.
   • Internal working model
     • The internal working model is what Bowlby believes is a template for the child about relationships. For example if they had a bad relationship with their mother, they instantly assume all relationships will turn out similar.
   • The sensitive period
     • A crucial part to Bowlby who said that if a child doesn't have attachments within the first 3 years, then they are more likely to become adolescent, or have a mental disorder.
       • This is led to the development of the "Maternal Deprivation Hypothesis"