Outline and evaluate Bowlby’s theory of attachment (8
marks)
Bowlby stated each infant has a critical period between the
ages of three to six months where it is essential for them to
form a special bond/relationship with one person, usually the
primary caregiver (which in most cases is the infant’s
biological mother), in order for them to develop well socially
and emotionally. The idea that each child must form one
primary attachment is what is referred to as Bowlby’s
monotropic theory. Bowlby also proposed that it is vital for
the infant’s primary attachment to be a positive one, ideally a
mother-infant attachment where the mother is receptive to
the child’s needs and provides sufficient care for them. For
Bowlby this is important as the infant then makes a mental
representation of that primary relationship, which they will
base future relationships and attachments on. This is called
an internal working model in which Bowlby suggests that an
infant’s attachment is secure, they are more likely to seek out
positive relationships in the future based on the type of
attachment they had as a child.
The Minnesota parent-child study supports this theory as it is
a longitudinal study that looked at a range of individuals
attachments at infancy and followed them through to
adolescence. This study found a correlation between those
infants who were classed as securely attached and having
positive future relationships, they also developed well
socially and emotionally. Those who were insecurely
marks)
Bowlby stated each infant has a critical period between the
ages of three to six months where it is essential for them to
form a special bond/relationship with one person, usually the
primary caregiver (which in most cases is the infant’s
biological mother), in order for them to develop well socially
and emotionally. The idea that each child must form one
primary attachment is what is referred to as Bowlby’s
monotropic theory. Bowlby also proposed that it is vital for
the infant’s primary attachment to be a positive one, ideally a
mother-infant attachment where the mother is receptive to
the child’s needs and provides sufficient care for them. For
Bowlby this is important as the infant then makes a mental
representation of that primary relationship, which they will
base future relationships and attachments on. This is called
an internal working model in which Bowlby suggests that an
infant’s attachment is secure, they are more likely to seek out
positive relationships in the future based on the type of
attachment they had as a child.
The Minnesota parent-child study supports this theory as it is
a longitudinal study that looked at a range of individuals
attachments at infancy and followed them through to
adolescence. This study found a correlation between those
infants who were classed as securely attached and having
positive future relationships, they also developed well
socially and emotionally. Those who were insecurely
