44 Thieves Study

Question 1

Aim

Answer 1

Assessing the link between affectionless psychopathy and maternal deprivation

Question 2

Procedure

Answer 2

• 44 thieves were interviewed to see whether they had traits of affectionless psychopaths
• Families of the thieves were interviewed to find out whether they had prolonged separation from their mothers at an early age
• The sample was compared to a control group of 44 non criminals that were emotional disturbed as children

Question 3

Findings

Answer 3

14/44 thieves could be described as affectionless psychopaths, with 12/14 having experienced prolonged separation from a maternal figure at a young age
- 0/44 non- thieves could be described as affectionless psychopaths with 2/44 having experienced prolonged separation from a maternal figure at a young age