Biological Approach: Explain relationship formation (5 marks)
Specifically Parent and Infant relationships

Evolutionary influences & Neurotransmitters

Evolutionary Influences

Adaptive behaviour
Evolutionary theory of attachment Bowlby (1969)
Infants and carers are "innately programed" to become attached as it promotes their survival
Social releasers (e.g. smiling, crying) - proximity between infant and caregiver is maintained
Mothers hardwired to respond to infant cry

Neurotransmitters

"Chemistry of attachment" Palmer (2015)
Oxytocin - promotes bonds and attachments
Oxytocin released in social contact & skin to skin
Pregnant mothers high in oxytocin

The biological assumptions of evolutionary influences and neurotransmitters explain relationship formation between a parent and an infant. Bowlby's (1969) evolutionary theory of attachment states that infants and carers are innately programmed to become attached. This behaviour is adaptive as it promotes their own survival. The theory also puts forward the idea that social releasers such as smiling and crying allow the infant to elicit caregiving and help maintain proximity with its caregiver. Mothers are considered to be hardwired to respond to an infants cry. Palmer's (2015) article on the "chemistry of attachment" suggests that the neurotransmitter oxytocin promotes the formation of bonds and attachments. Oxytocin is released in response to social contact, primarily skin to skin contact. Expectant mothers have high levels of oxytocin in order to promote a relationship with their newborn.

	Created by Marcus H about 8 years ago