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Bowlby's Attachment Theory

📑 5 slides 👁 2 views 📅 4/20/2026 📄 PDF
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Introduction to Attachment Theory

Attachment is a strong emotional bond between an infant and their primary caregiver.

Introduction to Attachment Theory
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Key Concepts: Monotropy & Critical Period

  • Monotropy: Infants form one primary attachment, usually with the mother.
  • Critical period: Attachment must occur within the first 2.5 years for healthy development.
  • Sensitive period extends to 5 years, where bonding is easier but not absolute.
Key Concepts: Monotropy & Critical Period
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Maternal Deprivation & Consequences

  • Maternal deprivation can lead to long-term issues like delinquency and low IQ.
  • Affectionless psychopathy: Inability to show concern for others due to early deprivation.
  • Bowlby linked broken attachments to difficulties in forming social relationships later.
Maternal Deprivation & Consequences
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Internal Working Model (IWM)

  • IWM acts as a template for future relationships based on early attachment.
  • Three features: Trust in others, self-worth, and effectiveness in social interactions.
  • Healthy IWM leads to better emotional and social development in adulthood.
Internal Working Model (IWM)
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Strengths & Real-World Application

  • Strengths: Supported by orphan studies and explains adult relationship patterns.
  • Limitations: Not all cultures emphasize monotropy; sensitive periods may vary.
  • Application: Social workers use theory to support families in fostering healthy attachments.
Strengths & Real-World Application
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