THEORIES OF ATTACHMENT

- The Evolutionary Approach - Bowlby’s Theory

Theories of Attachment

Learning Theories

Infants have no innate tendency to form attachments

They LEARN attachments

because of FOOD

Evolutionary Theories

The tendency to form attachments is

INNATEThis tendency is present in BOTH

infants and mothers

What is Evolution?

Discussion Point – Using what you know about attachment, how might attachment behaviour have given our species an increased chance of survival?John Bowlby (1969) saw humans

as being just like other animals – we need an INNATE tendency to form attachments with a caregiver. This tendency gives us an ADVANTAGE, i.e., makes it more likely that we will survive.

Bowlby’s Evolutionary Theory

Attachments are Adaptive. This means they give our species an

‘adaptive advantage’, making us more likely to survive.

This is because if an infant has an attachment to a caregiver, they are kept safe, given food, and kept warm.

Forms the basis for future relationships which will promote survival and reproduction.

A = ADAPTIVE

A S C M I

Babies have Social releasers, which ‘unlock’ the innate tendency of adults to care for them.

These Social releasers are both:

1.Physical

2.Behavioural – e.g. crying, cooing

S =SOCIAL RELEASERS

A S C M I

What are the Common Characteristics?

Babies have to form the attachment with their caregiver during a critical, sensitive period.

This is between birth and 2½ years old.

Bowlby said that if this didn’t happen, the child would be damaged for life and difficulties forming attachments will increase.

A S C M I

C = CRITICAL PERIOD

Bowlby believed that infants form one very special attachment with their mother (person who responses most sensitively to their social releasers).

This special, intense attachment is called Monotropy (focus on one person).

If the mother isn’t available, the infant could bond with another ever-present, adult, mother-substitute.

A S C M I

M =MONOTROPY

Infant will develop an INW based on this relationship with the primary caregiver .

The PC’s behaviour will be a model for what the infant will expect from others.

Future relationships will be based upon these expectations.

A S C M I

I = INTERNAL WORKING MODEL

Research into Evolutionary Theory Konrad Lorenz (1903-1989)

https://www.youtube.com/

Activities- Read P5-7

1. What are the strengths and limitations of the Evolutionary Theory?

2. Note down research evidence related to Bowlby’s Theory.

3. Write down Key Terms in your glossary.