Bowlby - Maternal Deprivation

Question 1

what does maternal deprivation mean?

Answer 1

separation from an attached figure (emotional and intellectual consequences)

Question 2

describe bowlbys maternal deprivation theory

Answer 2

focuses on how the effects of early experiences may interfere with the usual process of attachment formation

Question 3

describe the difference between separation and deprivation

Answer 3

deprivation = something is taken away
separation = physically separated e.g. at nursery

Question 4

what is the critical period

Answer 4

0-30 months

Question 5

how did maternal deprivation affect development according to bowlby?

Answer 5

lead to irreversible effects on emotional, social and cognitive development

(the primary attachment forms a secure base which allows child to form an internal working model)

Question 6

aim of 44 thieves study

Answer 6

examine link between affectionless psychopathy and maternal deprivation

Question 7

method of 44 thieves

Answer 7

sample = 44 criminal teens accused of stealing
- all were interviewed for signs of affection less psychopathy

families also interviewed (if they had early separation from mother)

Question 8

44 thieves results

Answer 8

14/44 described as affectionless psychopaths

• of this 14, 12 had experienced separation from their mothers in first 2 years of life
• in contrast, only 5 of the remaining 30 thieves had experienced separations

Question 9

44 thieves conclusion

Answer 9

prolonged early separation/ deprivation caused affectionless psychopathy

Question 10

44 thieves evaluations

Answer 10

weakness- investigator bias (bowlby himself carried it out)

strength-led to major social changes in hospital