Bowlby’s theory of maternal deprivation Flashcards
What is the theory of maternal deprivation?
The theory posits that prolonged separation from a mother figure can lead to emotional and intellectual harm in children.
This theory emphasizes the importance of maternal care during critical developmental periods.
What is the distinction between separation and deprivation?
Separation refers to the absence of emotional care, while deprivation occurs when this absence causes harm to the child.
A child can be separated from a mother without experiencing deprivation if emotional care is still present.
What is the critical period in maternal deprivation theory?
The critical period is the time during which children are believed to be particularly vulnerable to the effects of maternal deprivation, typically up to the age of five.
Bowlby suggested that damage from deprivation could be irreversible if it occurs during this period.
How does maternal deprivation affect intellectual development?
Maternal deprivation can lead to delayed intellectual development, characterized by abnormally low IQ.
Studies of adoption have shown this effect, such as Goldfarb’s research in 1947.
What is affectionless psychopathy?
Affectionless psychopathy is the inability to experience guilt or strong emotions towards others, preventing normal relationships and associated with criminal behavior.
This condition is often linked to experiences of maternal deprivation.
What did Bowlby’s 1944 study of 44 thieves investigate?
The study examined the link between affectionless psychopathy and maternal deprivation among teenage thieves.
It compared a group of criminals with a control group of emotionally disturbed youths.
What were the findings of Bowlby’s 1944 study?
14 of the 44 thieves were classified as affectionless psychopaths, with 12 of these having experienced prolonged separation from their mothers in early childhood.
In contrast, only two participants in the control group had experienced long separations.
True or False: Bowlby believed that prolonged early separation can lead to affectionless psychopathy.
True
Bowlby concluded that early deprivation is a significant factor in developing affectionless psychopathy.
Fill in the blank: Bowlby believed that intellectual development is affected by prolonged maternal deprivation during the _______.
[critical period]
What is the primary emotional effect of maternal deprivation according to Bowlby?
It can lead to affectionless psychopathy and hinder the development of normal emotional relationships.
This condition is linked to a lack of empathy and remorse in individuals.
List the three key areas affected by maternal deprivation according to Bowlby.
- Intellectual development
- Emotional development
- Development of normal relationships
Each area is significantly impacted by the absence of maternal care during critical periods.
