Bowlby's theory of Maternal Deprivation

Question 1

What was Bowlby’s opinion on maternal love?

Answer 1

• Maternal love is as important for mental health as vitamins are for physical

Question 2

What did Bowlby believe Maternal Deprivation was?

Answer 2

• Separation from a primary attachment figure that is prolonged and results in a lack of emotional care

Question 3

What did Bowlby believe the critical period was?

Answer 3

• First 2 and a half years as a critical period for psychological - if experience maternal deprivation during this time psychological damage is inevitable

Question 4

What are the effects of Maternal Deprivation?

Answer 4

• Lack of intellectual development (low IQ) and lack of emotional development (affectionless psychopathy)

Question 5

What research did Bowlby conduct on linking affectionless psychopathy to maternal deprivation?

Answer 5

Procedure:
- 44 thieves assessed for affectionless psychopathy, early separation established through interviews with parents
Findings:
- 14 affectionless thieves, 12 of which had prolonged early separations

Question 6

What limits the internal validity of Bowlby’s theory?

Answer 6

• Bowlby conducted the interviews making them prone to bias and also parents may have lied in the interviews due to social desirability bias

Question 7

How can Bowlby’s theory be useful in the real-world?

Answer 7

• It can help to explain the behaviour of those struggling with affectionless apathy and therefore is a good indicator for those who need help or therapy as there behaviour was caused by maternal deprivation

Question 8

How can Bowlby’s definiton of a critical period be a limitation?

Answer 8

• Claims damage is inevitable if child had not formed attachment in first 2 years. However Beth Thomas who’s mother died when she was 1 and who was abused by her father made a seemingly full recovery and now works as a nurse and is a well adjusted adult. Showing damaged caused to children in not permanent as Bowlby suggested`