Outline Bowlby's theory of infant attachment (6 marks)

Bowlby studied infant attachment systems and was a key figure in developmental psychology. As an evolutionary psychologist he believed attachment was based on innate systems. One good example of a mechanism involved is social releasers. These are actions performed by the baby (such as smiling or cooing) that trigger adult attachment systems. This evolved to enable newborns to survive until they could be independent. Additionally reciprocity can be observed. This is when mother and infant mimic each others actions, strengthening their bond. Furthermore interactional synchrony is displayed as the pairs actions synchronise. However Bowlby has been criticised for his assumption that the primary attachment is exclusively to the mother.