Bowlby's theory

Attachments are innate. They are needed for survival so they are too important to be left to the process of learning. Baby birds form attachments soon after hatching to the first obect they see. This helps them to survive and ensures they get food. Human babies are like baby birds and are genetically programmed to form attachment to one main person this is called monotropy. Babies use soical releasers e.g. Smiling and crying to attaract attention from their carers. The carers respond to the baby encouraging further interaction - reciprocal interaction. This interaction strenghtens the attachment. Secure attachments provides a safe base for exploration. Early attachments from the basis of future relatonships this is called an internal working model. It suggests that if you have an insecure attachment in childhood this will continue to adulthood