Romanian orphan study - Rutter and Sonuga-Barke

Question 1

Aim?

Question 2

Procedures?

Answer 2

• longitudinal study (since 1990s)
• ERA study (English and Romanian adoptees)
• 165 Romanian children (suffered effects of institutionalisation)
• 111 adopted before age of 2
• 54 more by age of 4
• adoptees tested at regular intervals to assess physical, cognitive and social development
• progress compared to 52 British children adopted in UK before 6 months old (control group)

Question 3

Findings?

Answer 3

• Romanian orphans smaller, weighed less, classified as mentally retarded compared to British counterparts
• subsequent follow ups -> significant deficits remain in minority of those who experienced institutional care beyond 6 months old
• showed disinhibited attachments + problems with peer relationships

Question 4

Conclusion?

Answer 4

Long term consequences may be less severe than was once thought if children have opportunity to form attachments