Bowlby's Theory Of Maternal Deprivation

Question 1

The value of Maternal Care:

Answer 1

An infant and child need a ‘warm, intimate and continuous relationship’ with a mother or mother substitute to ensure normal mental health’ and that mother-love is as important for mental health as vitamins and proteins

Question 2

Critical period:

Answer 2

A child will only become emotionally disturbed if the infant experiences prolonged separations before 2.5 years with a risk up until 5 years

Question 3

Bowlby (1944):
Juvenile thieves -
Procedure

Answer 3

analysed child patients at a Child Guidance clinic who were emotionally maladjusted. 44 were thieves (emotionless psychopaths) and 44 were a control group

Question 4

Bowlby (1944)
Juvenile thieves -
Findings

Answer 4

those who were thieves had experiences frequent early separations from their mothers (86%) whereas almost none of the control patients experienced early separations showing how early separations can cause emotional maladjustment/mental disorder