Maternal Deprivation Theory

Question 1

Who proposed the maternal deprivation theory?

Answer 1

John Bowlby.

Question 2

When did Bowlby propose the theory?

Answer 2

1951.

Question 3

What key points did Bowlby propose?

Answer 3

• Prolonged emotional deprivation has long-term effects on healthy child development.
• The continual presence of nurture from a mother is essential for normal emotional and intellectual psychological development.
• Brief separations from the caregiver will not have a significant impact, but extended separation can lead to deprivation.

Question 4

What did Bowlby find the critical period was?

Answer 4

6 months to 2 and a half years.

Question 5

What types of psychological damage did Bowlby state a child may go through during maternal deprivation?

Answer 5

• Intellectual.

- Emotional.

Question 6

What would happen to a child if they suffered from maternal deprivation in terms of intellectual damage?

Answer 6

They would suffer mental retardation and have an abnormally low IQ.

Question 7

What did Goldfarb (1947) find about intellectual damage?

Answer 7

Children who stayed in institutions had a lower IQ than children who were fostered.

Question 8

What would happen to a child if they suffered from maternal deprivation in terms of emotional damage?

Answer 8

They would suffer from affectionless psychopathy; they would have an inability to feel guilt or strong emotions towards others, it is associated with criminality as they lack remorse for their actions.

Question 9

What are the 5 evaluation points for Bowlby’s maternal deprivation theory?

Answer 9

\+ Bowlby's 44 thieves (1944).
\+ Genie case study.
- The critical period is criticised.
- Czech twins case study.
- Negative impact on the economy.