Evolutionary theory

Evolutionary theory

1. Outline

   • Bowlby
     • Attachment forms - emotional bonds to protect child from predators
       • Genetically programmed for survival
   • Social releasers
     • Child interacts with caregiver
       • Facilitates the attachment process
     • Crying - attention
       • Looking/vocalising - maintain attention
         • Follow and cling for physical contact
     • Directed at caregiver
       • Caregiver programmed to respond
   • Babies are monotrophic
   • Attachments are made before 3
     • Critical period
   • These first attachments form template for later relationships
     • Internal working model

2. Evaluate

   • Bowlby based his research on precocial species
   • Schaffer and Emerson proved babies form more than one bond - dad
   • The emphasis is on the mother, yet fathers involvement is key
   • This research has been applied to real life
     • eg. children in day care