Bowlby's maternal deprivation theory

Question 1

Define deprivation

Answer 1

Something that you previously had but it was taken away

Question 2

Define maternal deprivation

Question 3

Define separation

Answer 3

The child not being in the presence of the primary attachment figure

Question 4

What did Bowlby’s maternal deprivation theory propose is necessary?

Answer 4

A “warm, intimate and continuous relationship with a mother (figure)” is necessary for healthy psychological/emotional development and intellectual development

Question 5

What is the quote that Bowlby used?

Answer 5

“Mother love in infancy/childhood is as important for mental health as are vitamins and proteins for physical health”

Question 6

What does Bowlby’s maternal deprivation theory state?

Answer 6

Bowlby stated that prolonged separations or deprivation during the critical period, where no substitute attachment figure is available has irreversible negative effects on emotional, social and cognitive development

Question 7

When is the critical period?

Answer 7

Before two and a half years - but the risk runs up to 5 years

Question 8

What are the consequences of maternal deprivation?

Answer 8

• An inability to form attachments in the future
• Affectionless psychopathy (inability to feel remorse)
• Delinquency (behavioural problems in adolescence)
• Problems with cognitive development, including low IQ

Question 9

What did Bowlby state about the internal working model?

Answer 9

Bowlby stated that maternal deprivation affects a child’s understanding of attachments and this means that at child may not have the opportunity to develop an internal working model of parent-child relationships.
He stated that the internal working model works as a template for later relationships. For example, poor attachment experiences in childhood (including maternal deprivation) can lead to an inability to be a good parent.