Explanations of attachment

Describe the concept of a critical period and the concept of an internal working model in the context of attachment.

Outline the learning theory of attachment.

Which two of the following attachment concepts were not introduced by Bowlby?

Shade two boxes only.

Annie feeds her newborn baby regularly and they have formed a strong bond.

According to the learning theory of attachment, before any attachment had been formed, the milk Annie gives her baby is best described as:

Shade one box only.

A a conditioned stimulus.

B a neutral stimulus.

C an unconditioned response.

D an unconditioned stimulus.

According to the learning theory of attachment, now she has formed an attachment with her baby, Annie is best described as:

Shade one box only.

A a conditioned stimulus.

B a neutral stimulus.

C an unconditioned response.

D an unconditioned stimulus.

Two mothers at the toddler and parent group are chatting.

“I always felt sorry for my husband when Millie was a baby. He used to say his bond with Millie was not as strong as mine because I was breastfeeding.”

“I’m not sure”, replies the other mother. “I think there’s something about a mother’s love that makes it more special anyway – and so important for future development.”

Discuss the learning theory of attachment and Bowlby’s monotropic theory of attachment. Refer to the conversation above in your answer.