Bowlby's theory

Bowlby's theory

1. Bowlby's theory of attachment adopts an evolutionary perspective and suggests attachment is an adaptive survival mechinism

2. This is a biological process and takes place during a critical period. the child's relationship with a primary caregiver provides an internal working model which influences later relationships

3. Bowlby believed attachment has a survival function

4. In our evolutionary past a mechanism was needed to keep children close to their caregivers for protection

   • This is called an adaptive response because it increases the infant's chance of survival

5. Bowlby also suggested that infants have been genetically programmed to behave in ways toward their caregiver that enhance survival