Romanian orphan studies: effects of institutionalisation

Question 1

Outline Rutter et al’s (2011) English and Romanian Adoptee (ERA) study.

Answer 1

Procedure: studied 165 Romanian orphans adopted in the UK. Longitudinal study – studied at age 4, 6, 11, 15 & 22-25. Control group = 52 UK adopted children.

Findings: 
1. Lower IQ- varied depending on age of adoption  
Mean IQ was:
102- adopted before 6 months
86- adopted 6 months – 2 years, 
77- adopted after 2 years old.

2. Disinhibited attachment – this means they had indiscriminate social behaviours. Became easily attached to anyone and were friendly to everyone.

Question 2

Outline Zeanah et al’s (2005) Bucharest Early Intervention (BEI) project.

Answer 2

Procedure: studied 95 Romanian orphans aged 12-31 months who had spent majority of life in an institution
Control group = children not in an institution

Findings:

1. Secure attachment 19% (compared to 74% in control)
2. Disinhibited attachment 44% (compared to 20% in control)

Question 3

What are the strengths of Rutter’s Romanian orphan studies?

Answer 3

+ Fewer confounding variables (than WWII orphans - Bowlby and Goldfarb) as they had been handed over by loving parents.
- Counterpoint: As the care varied in different orphanages there will have been other confounding variables such as stimulation or comfort.

+ Longitudinal study: produces more comprehensive data.
-Counterpoint: Because of this, there is a lack of long-term data: the long term effects are not fully known as the research is a longitudinal study and is continuing. Also drop out rates.

+ Given the correct substitute care, many of the children have gone onto have positive relationships. This shows that the effects are reversible
-Counterpoint: Ethical issues: children who are taking part in the research might experience a self-fulfilling prophecy because they are aware that they might have poor developmental outcomes, which could impact on their behaviour or how people treat them. Therefore the research is socially sensitive.