Bowlby's theory of maternal deprivation

Question 1

Distinguish between separation and deprivation

Answer 1

• Separation: Not in presence of attachment figure
• Deprivation: loss of an element of care without adequate substitute care

Question 2

What is the critical period?

Answer 2

• First 2.5 years of life
• Deprivation during critical period = inevitable psychological damage
• Continuing risk up until age 5

Question 3

Effects on development

Answer 3

• Delayed intellectual development
• Affectionless psychopathy

Question 4

Describe delayed intellectual development

Answer 4

• low IQ
• Goldfarb (1947): Lower IQ in those who remained in institutions rather than being adopted

Question 5

Describe affectionless psychopathy (AP)

Answer 5

• Inability to experience guilt/ strong emotions towards others
• Inability to form normal relationships
• Associated with criminality

Question 6

Describe Bowlby’s 44 thieves study

Answer 6

• Group of children referred for stealing compared to control
• Assessed for AP + families interviewed for prolonged separation
• 32% thieves = AP -> 86% prolonged separation
• 68% not AP –> 17% separation
• Control = 0% AP –> 4% separation

Question 7

Evaluation

Answer 7

• Methodology: Bowlby conducted his own interviews and Goldfarb = wartime orphans - researcher bias + confounding
• Koluchova - Czech twins abused from 18 months - 7 years: normal as teens = challenges critical period

+ real world application: childcare practices - 480 day maternity leave in Sweden, extended hospital visiting hours

• Rutter: privation not deprivation (attachment never formed at all rather than being broken)