Bowlby's Maternal Deprivation Theory

Question 1

term: separation

Answer 1

temporary, long term absence of PAF
eg mother going to work

Question 2

term: deprivation

Answer 2

child has formed an attachment but then lost, permenant
eg death/divorce

Question 3

term: privation

Answer 3

child never had the opportunity to form attachment
eg orphaned, mother died at childbirth

Question 4

5 key details of his theory

Answer 4

1- focuses on continual presence of care
2- short sep not problematic as long as w substitute caregiver
3- deprivation before 2.5yrs= likely emotional and intellectual disturbed
4- deprivation occur if mother present but don’t provide emotional care
5- maternal care describe motherly love which can be provided by any mother substitute

Question 5

effects on intellectual development

Answer 5

• delayed intellectual development
• abnormally low IQ
• Goldfarb: lower IQ in children in institutions opposed to those who were fostered

Question 6

effects on emotional development

Answer 6

• affectionless psychopathy- unable have guilt/strong emotions
• unable to develop normal relationships
• associated with criminality
• lack of remorse for actions

Question 7

Aim: Bowlby 44 Thieves

Answer 7

investigate the link between affectionless psychopathy and maternal deprivation

Question 8

Method: Bowlby 44 Thieves

Answer 8

• 44 criminal teens accused of stealing
• interviews for signs of affectionless psychopathy
• families interviewed if had prolonged early sep
• compared to control group of 44 non-criminals but emotionally disturbed

Question 9

Results: Bowlby 44 Thieves

Answer 9

• 14/44 thieves= affection less psychopathy
• 12/14= prolonged sep in first 2yrs
• 2/44 control group= had prolonged separation

Question 10

how does Bowlby’s 44 thieves support his theory of maternal deprivation?

Answer 10

children that are deprived have behaviour linked to criminality and affectionless psychopathy

Question 11

Evaluation of 44 thieves

Answer 11

L- only looked for relationship between deprivation and affection less psychopathy. There could be confounding variables
L- retrospective data. Recalling events from long time ago so inaccurate
L- self report. Conducted himself. Influenced outcome
L- research bias. Carried out himself

Question 12

Strengths of maternal deprivation

Answer 12

1. Supporting research 44 thieves
2. Supporting research Levy
3. Real world applications Foster caree

Question 13

Limitations of material deprivation

Answer 13

1. Conflicting research Czech twins
2. Terminology used unclear Deprivation and Privation