The evolutionary theory

The evolutionary theory

1. Bowlby's monotropic theory

   • Suggests that attachment is innate and has an evolutionary purpose, Bowlby believed that a childs 1st attachment is special and different to all others, he called this monotropic attachment
   • 2 principles to clarify the theory
     • The law of continuity: stated that the more constant and predictable a child's care the better the quality of their attachment.
     • The law of accumulated separation: stated that the effects of every separation from the mother add up and 'the safest dose is therefore a zero dose'

2. Critical period: Bowlby believed that like other innate abilities the attachment has to happen during a critical period, this was up to around 2 and a half years, but viewed this as more of a sensitive period

3. Bowlby believed that the monotropic attachment acted as a schema for how relationships should be, this then influences how the child forms attachments to others, known as the internal working model.

4. Studies to support/criticise

   • Schaffer and Emersons study supports this theory as it shows that although multiple attachments are usually formed there is still a primary attachment, a 'monotropic attachment'
   • Rutters study criticises this theory as the children formed multiple attachments, but they were said to be all as important as the other
   • Hodges and Tizards study support the idea of the internal working model, they found that children who had formed no attachments had later difficulties with peers
   • Lorenz's study also suggests that attachment is innate and not a learnt process