BOWLBY'S THEORY OF MATERNAL DEPRIVATION

Question 1

Burger for value of maternal care (Bowlby’s theory of maternal deprivation)

Answer 1

B: Children need a continuous, warm relationship with a primary caregiver for healthy development.
U: Bowlby emphasized the irreplaceable role of maternal care for emotional and social growth.
R: Bowlby’s 44 juvenile thieves study highlighted that lack of maternal care is linked to affectionless psychopathy.
G: Strength: This theory influenced practices in childcare, emphasizing continuity in caregiver relationships.
E: Real-world application, such as promoting stable care for children in hospitals.
R: Weakness: Research, such as Radke-Yarrow’s, suggests emotional, not just physical, separation can be damaging.

Question 2

Burger for critical period (Bowlby’s theory of maternal deprivation)

Answer 2

B: Bowlby proposed a critical period (up to age 2) where deprivation leads to lasting harm if no substitute caregiver is available.
U: Deprivation effects are most severe in early years, up to age 5, a sensitive period.
R: The 44 thieves study showed children separated from mothers had higher rates of emotional issues.
G: Strength: Emphasizes the importance of early intervention to prevent developmental issues.
E: Critical in informing early childhood policies and caregiver interventions.
R: Weakness: Individual differences, as some children (e.g., TB hospital study) showed resilience despite separation

Question 3

Burger for long term consequences (Bowlby’s theory of maternal deprivation)

Answer 3

B: Maternal deprivation has long-term consequences, including emotional maladjustment and mental disorders.
U: Bowlby argued that maternal separation could lead to depression or antisocial behavior in later life.
R: Bowlby’s study of juvenile thieves found higher rates of affectionless psychopathy among those with early separation.
G: Strength: Supported by studies (Bifulco et al.) that link early loss to increased risk of adult mental health issues.
E: Highlights the potential lifelong impacts of early caregiving experiences.
R: Weakness: Rutter’s research distinguished deprivation from privation, questioning if effects are due to lack of initial attachment.