Maternal deprivation: session 14

Question 1

What study proves maternal deprivation and how?

Answer 1

Goldfarbs experiment in 1947
- compares two groups of children in orphanage
- one group of 15 which stayed for a few months before being fostered
- second group remained in orphanage until age 2-3

Question 2

Who were the Romanian Orphans?

Answer 2

When Romania became a communist society in 1980 abortion and contraception was banned in a time of food and energy shortage. leading to too many children being born and dumped in orphanages

Question 2

What were the results of Goldfarb study?

Answer 2

Second group scored less on IQ test and were more aggressive

Question 3

What did the institutionalisation mean for the children?

Answer 3

• no attachment figure
• less sociable and intelligent
• more aggressive

Question 4

What were the orphanages like?

Answer 4

• lacked medicine and washing facilities
• subject to sexual and physical abuse
• infested bedrooms
• rain through roof

Question 5

What were the findings regarding Romanian adoptions and IQ?

Answer 5

• 58 adopted before 6months had normal development, IQ 102
• 59 adopted after 6months had high disinhibited attachment, IQ 86
• 48 adopted after 2 had high disinhibited attachment, IQ 77

Question 6

What was the conclusion of the Romanian Orphans study?

Answer 6

Institutionalisation and deprivation have long term consequences such as negative emotional and cognitive development

Question 7

How does early attachment effect childhood?

Answer 7

• securely attached children have healthier relationships