Bowlby Basics
Who developed attachment theory?
John Bowlby
What is the critical period?
The first ~6 months when attachment must form
Where did this study take place?
Romania
Why is early bonding important?
Helps emotional and social development
Does the Romanian study support Bowlby? Why?
Yes, it shows early attachment matters
What is attachment?
A strong emotional bond between a child and caregiver
What is maternal (caregiver) deprivation?
Lack of a continuous caregiver
What were conditions like in many orphanages?
Neglect, little attention, poor stimulation
How could a teacher support a child with weak attachment?
Provide consistency and a supportive environment
Could other factors, outside of attachment, that explain the orphanage results?
Yes, like nutrition or lack of stimulation
What is monotropy?
The idea that a child forms one primary attachmen
What is the internal working model?
A mental template for future relationships
What happened to children adopted before 6 months?
Most developed normally
How might attachment affect adult relationships?
Influences trust and emotional connection
Is the 6-month cutoff exact?
No, development can vary
What is the role of the caregiver according to Bowlby?
To provide security and comfort
What behavior shows secure attachment?
Seeking comfort and being soothed easily
What happened to children adopted after 6 months?
More likely to have attachment and developmental issues
Give an example of secure attachment behavior
A child explores but returns to caregiver for comfort
What are limitations of the study?
Ethical issues, lack of control, multiple variables
What happens if attachment is disrupted early?
Possible long-term emotional and social difficulties
What might insecure attachment look like?
Avoidance, anxiety, or difficulty trusting others
What did this study suggest about the critical period?
Early attachment is very important for development
How could adoption timing affect outcomes?
Earlier adoption leads to better developmental outcomes
Should Bowlby’s theory apply to all cultures?
Debatable—different cultures have different caregiving styles