PSYCHODYNAMIC Evidence - Bowlby Flashcards
Who conducted the 1944 study on the effects of maternal separation?
John Bowlby
What did Bowlby argue about prolonged separation from the mother?
It can cause long-lasting psychological problems, especially emotional and behavioral disturbances.
What was the aim of Bowlby’s 1944 study?
To explore the link between prolonged maternal separation and delinquency, particularly theft.
What methodology did Bowlby use in his 1944 study?
Case study of 44 child thieves compared to 44 emotionally disturbed but non-delinquent children.
What were the demographics of the 44 thieves group?
31 boys and 13 girls, aged 5-17 years.
What type of control group was used in Bowlby’s study?
Children from the same clinic with similar demographics, but without a history of theft.
How were intelligence levels measured in Bowlby’s study?
Using the Binet scale.
What diagnostic process was used in Bowlby’s study?
Children were assessed by psychologists, interviewed with their mothers, and monitored over six months.
How many of the 44 thieves were diagnosed as affectionless?
14
What key characteristic defined the ‘affectionless’ group?
Lack of normal affection and empathy, linked to more serious theft.
How many affectionless thieves had experienced prolonged separation from their mother?
12 out of 14
What conclusion did Bowlby draw about affectionless thieves?
Many had suffered prolonged separation from their mothers, affecting their ability to form relationships.
What was Bowlby’s view on stealing in children?
It could be a misguided attempt to gain emotional satisfaction due to past trauma.
What role did Bowlby suggest the superego plays in theft behavior?
A poorly developed superego due to unstable maternal relationships may lead to a lack of moral restraint.
What are the implications for treatment from Bowlby’s study?
Early intervention and prevention are crucial; treatment is more effective at a younger age.
What are some ethical concerns with Bowlby’s study?
Issues with informed consent, confidentiality, potential trauma, and retrospective data collection.
What is one methodological limitation of Bowlby’s study?
Cannot establish causality; separation may not cause delinquency—it could be the result.
Why might Bowlby’s findings lack reliability?
Data was collected retrospectively, and assessments were conducted by Bowlby himself without inter-rater reliability.
Why is the sample in Bowlby’s study considered non-representative?
Only included children who had been caught stealing and controls who were also clinic patients.
What alternative evidence supports Bowlby’s findings?
Rutter & Sonuga-Barke (2010) – Romanian orphan study on effects of late adoption.
What does the case of John (Robertson & Robertson, 1971) illustrate?
Negative emotional effects of poor substitute care during separation from the mother.
How can emotional damage from maternal deprivation be prevented?
By providing consistent, high-quality emotional care from a single caregiver.
