maternal deprivation

Question 1

Maternal deprivation

Answer 1

the prolonged loss of emotional care from the mother figure which can have serious long-term consequences on a child’s emotional development, leading to possible mental health problems or maladjustment.

Question 2

Bowlby’s critical period

Answer 2

Bowlby believed that the effects of maternal deprivation would be most acute during the critical period, which is the first three years of life. He noted that there was a risk of adverse consequences up until three years old.

Question 3

Affectionless psychopathy

Answer 3

A condition characterized by individuals with a lack of shame or guilt. It is one of the consequences of maternal deprivation and can lead to further problems, such as difficulty forming relationships and a higher probability of criminal tendencies.

Question 4

Bowlby’s research 44 juvenile thieves

Answer 4

Bowlby examined 88 children, aged 5-16, who were referred to a guidance clinic where he worked. 44 of these children were thieves, and he identified 14 of these thieves as affectionless psychopaths. Bowlby found that 86% of the affectionless psychopaths experienced early and prolonged attachment separations, suggesting a link between early ongoing separation from the primary caregiver and later social maladjustment.

Question 5

Barrett’s research

Answer 5

Barrett’s research found that securely attached children are more resistant to the negative effects of maternal deprivation in comparison to insecurely attached children.

Question 6

Privation

Answer 6

The absence of attachment formation altogether, which leads to more damaging consequences for the child than experiencing a broken attachment in their early years. Rutter disapproved of Bowlby’s use of the word deprivation, for he believed that Bowlby was confusing the two concepts and using the term interchangeably.