Romanian Orphan Studies: Effects of Institutionalisation - Attachment

Question 1

Rutter and Sonuga-Barke (2010):
Procedure

Answer 1

Studied Romanian orphans who had suffered institutionalisation. These were adopted before age 2 and 4. Physical, cognitive, and social development were assessed at ages 4, 6, 11, and 15, compared to British adoptees adopted before 6 months.

Question 2

Rutter and Sonuga-Barke (2010):
Findings

Answer 2

At adoption: Romanian orphans were smaller, weighed less, and were often mentally delayed.

By age 4: Children adopted before 6 months caught up with British.

Long-term: Deficits in a minority of children adopted after 6 months, showing disinhibited attachment and poor peer relationships.

Question 3

Rutter and Sonuga-Barke (2010):
Conclusions

Answer 3

Early adoption reduces severe consequences; attachment formation is key.

Question 4

Other Studies of Romanian Orphans:
Le Mare & Audet (2006)

Answer 4

Recovery from physical effects of institutionalisation is possible.

Question 5

Other Studies of Romanian Orphans:
Zeanah et al. (2005)
DA

Answer 5

Institutionalised children showed higher rates of disinhibited attachment.

Question 6

4 Effects of Institutionalisation

Answer 6

Physical Underdevelopment (deprivation dwarfism)

Intellectual Underfunctioning

Disinhibited Attachment (no preference for caregivers)

Poor Parenting