Bowlby's Evolutionary Theory

Bowlby believed that attachment is an inherited mechanism that is passed down through natural selection to ensure survival. Bowlby states there are many genetic factors that are inherited and needed to create an attachment such as adaptive behaviours.

The evolutionary theory suggests that both mothers and infants form adaptive behaviours such as smiling and crying which are innately appealing to the mother/ caregiver that cause the response of feeding, comforting and protecting the child from harm (proximity) all of which are important in attachments.

Following from animal behavioural research into attachment such as Lorenz who found a critical period in Gosling, Bowlby thought that there may be a critical period in humans, between 8 months - 3 years with a sensitive period of 12 months, in which time an attachment must form otherwise could result in lasting problems forming relationships.

Bowlby also…