Romanian Orphan Studies: Effects Of Institutionalistation

Question 1

What is ‘Institutionalization’?

Answer 1

• The effects of living in an institution setting such as a hospital or care home.
• There is little no emotional care provided.

Question 2

What is ‘Privation’?

Answer 2

• A child never having formed an attachment bond.

Question 3

What are ‘Orphan Studies’?

Answer 3

• These concern children being placed in care because their parents cannot look after them.

Question 4

What is ‘Disinhibited attachment’?

Answer 4

• Behavior that is attention seeking and clingy and directed indiscriminately toward all adults.
• It is a form of Insecure attachment.

Question 5

What are the 4 effects of institutionalization?

Answer 5

• Physical underdevelopment
• Intellection disability
• Poor parenting
• Disinhibited attachment

Question 6

What was Rutter’s aim on Romanian orphan studies?

Answer 6

• To investigate the effects of early institutionalization on later development.

Question 7

What was the procedures of Rutter’s Romanian orphan study?

Answer 7

• Followed development of 165 Romanian orphans who had been adopted in Britain.
• 52 British children were adopted around the same time and used as a control group.
• The physical, emotional and intellectual development were assessed at ages 4, 6, 11, 15 and 25 years old.

Question 8

What were the findings of Rutter’s Romanian orphan study?

Answer 8

• Upon arrival, half of the adoptees showed signs of delayed intellectual development. and the majority were severely malnourished.
• Those adopted after 6 months showed disinhibited attachment.
• ADHD was most common in 15-25s.
• Conclusions drawn were the negative effects of institutionalization can be overcome by sensitive, nurturing care - British children adopted did not suffer development outcomes despite being separated from their biological mothers.