Bowlby's Theory

Bowlby's Theory

1. Attachment is adaptive

   • Increases chances of survival
   • Ensures child stays close
   • Kids have innate drive to become attached
   • Long term benefits including imprinting

2. Sensitive period

   • Limited window for development
   • Development of biological systems occur most easily in critical period, but also sensitive
   • Illness may stop this happening
   • Second quarter of the first year

3. Caregiving is adaptive

   • Drive to provide care is also innate
   • Infants are born with certain characteristics called social releasers
     • Baby's face
     • Smiling
     • Crying
   • Provides protection
   • Formation of attachments depends on the interaction of these systems

4. A secure base

   • Important for protection
   • Can explore but still have a safe haven
   • Fosters independence

5. Monotropy and Hierarchy

   • Becomes strongly attached to person who gives most sensitive response
   • Not always mother
   • Forms several attachments, but still has a favourite
     • Safety net
   • Bias towards primary attachment

6. Internal working model

   • Trusting relationship
   • Develops model of relationship
   • Forms from inconsistent or consistent love

7. Continuity Hypothesis

   • Consistency between early emotional experiences and later relationships
   • Securely attached infants remain socially comptetent
   • Insecurely attached infants have more issues