Bowlby's theory of maternal deprivation

Question 1

What is the difference between separation and deprivation?

Answer 1

Separation is the physical lack of presence of a primary attachment figure (mother)

Deprivation is the loss of emotional care from a primary attachment figure (mother)

Question 2

What was Bowlby’s critical period?

Answer 2

Separation will only have an effect if it is before 2 and a half years and there is no substitute for the mother

There is still a risk until up to 5 years old though

Question 3

Effects of maternal deprivation on emotion al development and IQ

Answer 3

Emotional maladjustment

Mental health problems- anxiety and depression

Lower IQ

Question 4

Procedure of Bowlby’s 44 theives

Answer 4

Analysed 88 cases of children in a London Clinic

• 44 Thieves - 44 non-thieves (control)

Bowlby suggested that some of the thieves were affectionless psychopaths
(no affection, guilt, responsibility, hence thy they were able to steal)

Question 5

Findings of Bowlby’s 44 theives

Answer 5

Those diagnosed as being ‘affectionless psychopaths’ had experienced early separations from their mothers

12/14 affectionless thieves had separations

5/30 of the remaining thieves had separations

Almost none of the control group (non-thieves) had separations