Romanian Orphans - AO1 Flashcards
What is instituitonalisation?
The effects of living in an institution, such as a hospital or orphanage, for a long, continuous period of time
There is usually little emotional care provided
What are the aims of Rutter et al (2011) study?
To see how good care could make up for early privation/neglect
What are the PPs of Rutter et al (2011) study?
Over 100 Romanian orphans adopted from mass institiution
What is the procedure of Rutter et al (2011) study?
Physical, cognitive and emotional development assessed over several years
Compared to a control group of 52 UK children around the same time
What are the findings of Rutter et al (2011) study?
- Half showed signs of delayed intellectual development
- At age 11, there were differences in recovery depending on what afe they were adopted
- Adopted between 6 months and 2 years: mean IQ = 86
- Adopted after two years: mean IQ = 77
- Adopted before 6 months: mean IQ at 11 = 102
- Children adopted after 6 months old showed disinhibited attachment style
What are the conclusions of Rutter et al (2011) study?
Effects of institutionalisation could be overcome if intervention occurred early enough - perhaps within a critical period
What is disinhibited attachment style?
- Attention seeking, clingyness, lack of stranger anxiety and overly social behaviour
- Those adopted before 6 motnhs rarelt displayed disinhibited attachment when older
What is the bucharest early intervention project?
- 95 Romanian children who had spent on average of 90% of their lives in institutions
- Control group of 50 children who never spent time in institutions
- Attachment type measured using strange situation
- Given interviewed about children’s behaviour
What did they find in the Bucharest Early Intervention Project?
- Found children in institutional group less likely to be classes as securely attached
- 65% showed type D, disorganised attachment
- Twice as likely to show disinhibited attachment style
