Monotropy
It is important to note though in the present day many researchers as well as practitioners have largely challenged the concept of monotropy, the concept continues to influence policy in some quarters and in that regard, it continues to influence child care approaches. In this text, I define and come up with a description of monotropy and how the concept is related to challenges in the recent times.
A discussion
Bowlby; one of the most popular developmental psychology writer in 1951 came up with a report that sought to explain the special relationship formed between infants and their mother which in one way or the other tends to be distinct from any other relationship established between the infant and another individual. According to Shaffer & Kipp (2010), this is what is referred to as the monotropy process.
In Bowlby’s view, the first six months of the infant’s life were informed by the development of strong attachments of the infant to its mother. In that regard, he postulated that the death of the mother at this time or a constellation of other factors that broke this bond would essentially end up having serious consequences upon the baby. Those who have over time qualified Bowlby’s idea for one reason or the other include Professor Sir Michael Rutter.
According to Parke & Gauvain (2009) recent challenges as far as the concept of monotropy is concerned have arisen partly due to the submission by Bowlby concerning the mother’s significant importance. Bowlby is of the opinion that particularly for the first six months of the child’s life, the infant tends to be innately monotropic and hence the infant’s bond with its mother tends to be significantly distinct from any other bond it establishes with any other individual. Siegler, DeLoache & Eisenberg (2006) are of the opinion that the evidence presented in regard to Bowlby’s argument is largely insufficient.
The challenges to the concept of monotropy in this regards seems to be two fold. The first is in regard to whether or not there exists any difference between the infant-mother bond and any other bond between the infant and another individual. The second challenge is whether the infant is necessarily attached to the mother-surrogate or mother alone. When it comes to the first concern, Cowie & Blades (2003) is of the opinion that evidence has indicated that infants form bonds or relationships with other individuals as well that go ahead to rival those bonds they form with the mother.
Hence the suggestion here is that the bond the infant forms with the mother does not necessarily differ with the bond the infant forms with other individuals.When it comes to the second challenge, Cowie & Blades (2003) suggests that in most instances, infants form strong bonds with those who are close to them and in this case, it need not be the biological parent or a female for that matter. This argument is of the opinion that the chief bond between the infant and a care taker could develop as a consequence of the amount of time spent with the infant.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to note that apart from the mother, other people have a significant impact on the development of the infant. This includes the school teachers, sisters and brothers of the infant, the care giver as well as other individuals who have constant interaction with the infant. Hence in that regard, those who challenge Bowlby’s concept seek a less exclusive focus on the infant’s mother.
References
Cowie, H. & Blades, M. (2003). Understanding children’s development (4th Ed). Oxford: Blackwell
Parke, R.D., & Gauvain, M. (2009) Child Psychology A Contemporary Viewpoint. NY: McGraw Hill
Shaffer, D.R., & Kipp, K. (2010). Developmental Psychology. Childhood and Adolescence. Belmont: Wadsworth
Siegler, R, DeLoache, J.S. & Eisenberg, N. (2006) How Children Develop (2nd Ed.) NY: Worth Smith
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