*Bowlby's Theory Of Maternal Deprivation Flashcards
What does the term ‘monotropic’ refer to in attachment theory?
Indicates one particular attachment is different from all others and of central importance to a child’s development
‘Mono’ means ‘one’ and ‘tropic’ means ‘leaning towards’.
Define ‘critical period’ in the context of attachment.
Time within which an attachment must form if it is to form at all
Lorenz and Harlow noted that attachment in birds and monkeys had critical periods.
What is the ‘internal working model’?
Mental representations of the world that affect future relationships based on perceptions of primary attachment figures.
What is Bowlby’s view on learning theory regarding attachment?
Bowlby argues that learning theory can’t be true as most 1-year-olds would be happy in anyone’s company as long as they feed them.
What does Bowlby suggest about the nature of attachment?
Attachment is innate or instinctual.
What is the law of continuity in attachment theory?
The more constant and predictable the care, the better the quality of attachment.
What is meant by the law of accumulated separation?
The effects of every separation add up, and the best amount is 0.
What are ‘social releasers’?
Innate ‘cute’ behaviors in babies that encourage attention from adults.
True or False: The critical period for attachment is from 6 months to 2 years.
True.
What happens if an attachment isn’t formed during the critical period?
It will be much more difficult to form an attachment later.
How does a child’s internal working model affect their future relationships?
It bases all other relationships on their relationship with their primary caregiver.
What was the main finding of Brazelton et al (1975) regarding social releasers?
Babies displayed social releasers for adult attention; when ignored, they became distressed.
What did Bailey et al (2007) study about attachment?
Studied the link between mothers’ attachment to their own caregivers and their attachment to their babies.
What limitation does Bowlby’s theory face regarding monotropy?
It lacks validity as it ignores findings of multiple attachments.
What is the difference between separation and deprivation?
Separation means the child is not with the primary caregiver; deprivation means they are deprived of emotional care.
What are the critical years for psychological development according to Bowlby?
The first 2 and 1/2 years.
What effect does prolonged separation during the critical period have on a child?
It can lead to psychological damage.
What were the findings of Goldfarb (1947) regarding IQ in children?
Lower IQs in institutionalized children compared to those who were fostered/adopted.
Fill in the blank: Bowlby stated that ‘Mother-love in infancy and childhood is as important for mental health as are _______ and proteins for physical health.’
vitamins.
What is affectionless psychopathy?
A condition that prevents fulfilling relationships, associated with criminality and lack of empathy.
What was the procedure of Bowlby’s 44 thieves study?
Examined 44 teenagers for signs of affectionless psychopathy and early prolonged separation from mothers.
What conclusion was drawn from the 44 thieves study?
Prolonged early separation/deprivation causes affectionless psychopathy.
What did Koluchova (1976) report regarding the Czech twins?
They suffered severe emotional damage but fully recovered with good aftercare.
What real-life implications does maternal deprivation have?
Impact on child development, attachment issues in adoption, and parental leave policies.
What limitation is associated with the 44 thieves study?
Most attempts to replicate the study failed to produce the same results.
True or False: Lewis (1954) found a link between early separation and later psychopathy.
False.
