Romanian Orphans: institutionalisation Flashcards
Define the term ‘institutionalisation’.
The effects of living outside the family in an institution setting (hospital or orphanage)
What was Rutter’s aim?
To investigate the what extent loving and nurturing care could make up for poor early experiences in an institution.
How many Romanian orphans were in Rutter’s study?
165
How old were the Romanian orphans?
Ages 4, 6 ,11 and 15.
What were the 3 conditions in Rutter’s study?
- Adopted before the age of 6 months
- Adopted between age 6 months and 2 years
- Adopted after the age of 2 years.
What was the control group that Rutter used?
52 British children, adopted in the Uk before the age of 6 months.
What did Rutter measure?
The children’s IQ’s
What was the IQ of children adopted before 6 months
102
What was the IQ of children adopted between 6 months and 2 years?
86
What was the IQ of children adopted after 2 years?
77
What did Rutter conclude?
His findings suggested that removal from institutional care should occur before 6 months.
What is a disinhibited attachment?
Forming poor quality attachments with anyone (very clingy and not secure).
What are the symptoms of a disinhibited attachment?
-Going off with strangers
-Attention seeking
-Very clingy
-Not secure
Give advantages of Rutter’s study.
+Has practical applications.
Studying Romanian orphans has enhanced our understanding of the effects of institutionalisation.
+Strength of conducting longitudinal studies on Romanian orphans is that they have followed the lives of children over many years.
Some major effects due to institutionalisation that are irreversible.
Give a limitation of Rutter’s study.
-The Romanian orphans study was not typical.
It was an extreme experience and unique so the study therefore lacks population validity and can’t be generalised to other people.
