Bowlby

Bowlby’s Ethological Attachment Theory

Excelsior College

Lifespan Developmental Psychology

June 10, 2014

Bowlby’s Ethological Attachment Theory

I) Abstract

a) A natural inclination

b) Strength and stability

c) Theory of lifespan development

II) Introduction

a) Evolution and biology

b) Critical periods

c) Behavioral study on graylag geese

d) Creation of attachment

III) Bowlby’s perspectives

a) Biological preparation

b) Ethological theory

c) Adaptive value

d) Physical, social as well as cultural

e) Lasting relationships

IV) Application of Bowlby’s ethological attachment

a) Survival

b) Increases in cortisol levels and heart rates

c) Psychotherapy

d) Anxiety and avoidance with depression

e) Development of a new attachment with a therapist

f) Outcomes of a therapy process

g) Diagnosis of the reactive attachment disorder

V) Conclusion

a) Begins at birth

b) Develop attachments to primary caregivers

c) Widespread acceptance

d) Diagnosis of reactive attachment disorder

VI) References

Abstract

Bowlby’s ethological attachment theory bases its argument on the premise that human individuals, just like animals have a tendency to have a natural inclination to establish and maintain lasting affectionate bonds (attachments) to the familiar and irreplaceable others. Bowlby further asserts that once the attachments are established, the strength, and stability of the links is related the emotional stability and well-being of the individual throughout life. Bowlby proposes that the attachment initially form during infancy and often involve one primary attachment figure (mostly the mother or other primary caregiver). However, growth from childhood to adulthood results in the development of other secondary and multiple attachments which are organized into hierarchies from the most accessible to the least accessible. This forms the lifespan development of an individual as attachment needs for comfort and closeness shift from...