Attachment - Bowlbys Theory of maternal deprivation

Question 1

Maternal Deprivation =

Answer 1

The emotional and intellectual consequences of separation between a child and their mother
Continuous care from a mother is essential for normal development
Prolonged separation can cause serious damage to emotional and intellectual development

Question 2

Separation VS Deprivation

Answer 2

Separation - short periods of time where child is not in presence of primary caregiver
Deprivation - child is deprived, lose an element of care, extended separation

Question 3

Critical period

Answer 3

If a child is separated from mother for extended time during critical period then physiological damage is inevitable

Question 4

Effects on Intellectual development

Answer 4

Intellectual Development:

Low IQ

Question 5

Effects on Emotional Development

Answer 5

Affection-less Psychopathy - inability to experience guilt or strong emotion for others

Question 6

Bowlby’s 44 thieves study:

Answer 6

44 criminal teenagers
14/44 thieves = Affection-less psychopaths
12/14 has experiences prolonged separation

Question 7

Outline Bowlby’s Theory of Maternal Deprivation

Answer 7

• Seperation vs Deprivation
• The critical period
• Effects of Development
• Bowlbys 44 thieves study

Question 8

Evaluation of Bowlby’s Theory of Maternal Deprivation:

Answer 8

• Researcher Bias (44 thieves)
• Counter evidence (lewis)
• Sensitive period not critical
  + Support from animal studies (levy)
• Failure to distinguish between deprivation nd privation