Evolutionary theory of attachment

Continuity hypothesis-infants need ongoing sensitive emotional care and this will then help them to be emotionally secure, trusting adults.                  

Critical period-an important time in the first few months of life (up to 2 and a half years) when the infant needs to form a secure attachment for healthy development to occur.                                                                    

Internal working model-a mental model which develops in the head based on the experiences they have had. This then creates and aids their expectations for future realationships.                                                                  

Monotropy-the idea that infants only have one significant attachment for emotional development.                                                                     

Social releaser-a social behaviour that alerts the caregiver and leads to attachment.

Attachments promote survival as they provide safety, a secure base for exploration and emotional relationships.

Origins of Bowlby's theory

• Evolutionary perspective-human development…