Bowlby theory of Maternal deprivation

Question 1

define the term maternal deprivation

Answer 1

• emotional + intellectual consequence of extended separation between a child + his/her mum or mum sub ,where child loses aspect of care ,within critical period

Question 2

what’s the maternal deprivation theory

Answer 2

• continued nurture from mother first 2.5 yrs of life (critical period) important for healthy psychological development.
• If child extended periods of separation from mother in the CP, where an element of care is lost = psychological damage is inevitable and irreversible.

Question 3

Name the two types of damage in Bowlbys maternal deprivation theory

Answer 3

• Intellectual damage: include cog impairment,
  EG: intellectual delay, shown by abnormally low IQ.
• Goldfarb found lower IQ in children who remained in institutions (less emotional care) compared to fostered (more emotional care).
• Emotional damage: includes affectionless psychopathy, inability to experience guilt or strong emotion for others.
• prevents person developing normal rships associated W criminality, also lack remorse

Question 4

Maternal deprivation theory AO3

Answer 4

RTS by Bowlby 44 juvenile thieves study

• interviewed to see if they had signs of aff psychopathy, then interviewed parents if any periods of separation in crit period
• found those who had affectionless psychopathy more likely experienced long term separation
• support bc shows prolonged seperation in childhood lead to negative consequences

Practical applications

• principles of theory, there are potential (-) consequences of separation from caregiver lead to changes in society
• EG: change hospital visiting hrs, parent stay overnight reduce intel + emot issues
• therefore import part applied psych

criticised not distinguish between depriv+privation

• Rutter suggested severe long term damage bowlby associated with deprivation more likely to be result of privation
• Therefore bowlby theory maybe too simplistic