This document contains an example answer to a 16 mark A-level question on Bowlby’s monotropic theory of attachment, assessing Assessment Outcome’s 1 (demonstrating knowledge of theory) and 3 (evaluating theory). This type of question may appear in the AQA A-level 'Introduction to Psychology' (P...
Outline and evaluate Bowlby’s monotropic theory as an explanation for attachment. 16 marks
Bowlby’s monotropic theory of attachment suggests that attachment behaviour has evolved to ensure survival,
and therefore an animal that is not well attached is less well protected. This is known as adaptive behaviour
and is based on the principle that any genetically determined behaviours that enhance an individuals’ chance
of survival will be selected naturally. Bowlby states that infants have an innate drive to become attached, and
that these attachments must be made within a critical period of about 3 - 6 months. Infants that do not form
an attachment during this time, will not form one at all. Bowlby also believes that infants will only have one
special emotional bond (often the mother). This person will be their primary attachment relationship, and this
is also referred to as monotropy. The importance of monotropy is shown through the internal working model.
The model has several consequences. In the short term it gives the infant an insight into their caregivers
behaviour and enables the child to influence them. In the long term, it acts as a template for all future
relationships as it generates expectations about intimate, loving relationships. He proposes that individuals
who are strongly attached in their infancy continue to be socially and emotionally competent in their
adulthood. Therefore Bowlby’s monotropic theory of attachment implies that attachments are heavily
biological and innate processes, that occur for the sole purpose of survival.
A possible strength for Bowlby’s monotropic theory of attachment is that there is key evidence to support his
continuity hypothesis. Harlow’s research into the types of attachment formed in infant monkeys concluded that
the long-lasting effects of having a weak attachment is that the monkeys were both socially and sexually
abnormal in their later life. The monkeys were unable to interact with their own kind, fleeing in fear, and were
also unable to comfort their young as a result of not being exposed to these seemingly simple behaviours by
their primary attachment figure. This is therefore extremely useful in explaining attachments as it supports
Bowlby’s internal working model theory; showing a clear link between early and later attachments, as well as
proving that there is continuity from infancy to adulthood in terms of emotional type.
A possible limitation of Bowlby’s monotropic theory as an explanation for attachment is that there is evidence
to suggest that his monotropic theory is inaccurate. For example, Schaffer and Emerson conducted the Glasgow
study with the aim of establishing how attachments are formed in infants. They found that having multiple
attachments is the norm, meaning that an infant will show signs of attachment behaviour to multiple people.
This contradicts Bowlby’s idea that an infant will have only one special, emotional bond known as the primary
attachment relationship. Consequently, Bowlby’s monotropic theory as an explanation for attachment is
perhaps less useful as there is no research to support his view on monotropy.
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