Rutter et al - developmental catch up after early privation

Question 1

What was the aim?

Answer 1

To assess whether loving and nurturing could overturn the effects of privation the children had suffered in Romanian orphanages

Question 2

What was the procedure?

Answer 2

It was a longitudinal study incorporating a quasi experiment - IV = age of adoption (conditions = either before six months, between six months and 2 years and after 2 years). DV= levels of cognitive functioning.
111 Romanian children initially assessed for height, head circumference and cognitive functioning on arrival in Britain. Control group of 52 British adopted children also assessed (see whether effects were due to separation from parents or conditions in Romanian orphanages.

Question 3

What were the findings?

Answer 3

Around 50% of the Romanian orphans were retarded in cognitive functioning at initial assessment and most were underweight - the control group did not show these deficits
At 4 years old the Romanian orphans showed great improvements in physical and cognitive development, with the orphans adopted before the age of 6 months of age doing as well as the British adopted children.

Question 4

What were the conclusions?

Answer 4

The negative effects of institutionalisation can be overcome by sensitive, nurturing care.
As the British adopted children who had been separated from their mothers did not suffer developmental outcomes it can be seen that separation from carers will not on its own cause negative developmental effects.

Question 5

What are some evaluative points?

Answer 5

Longitudinal study
Children have only been assessed up to the age of four so subsequent follow ups will be required to assess the long-term effects of institutionalisation and the effects of subsequent enriching environments
Only some of the children received detailed clinical investigations so it is difficult to fully generalise the findings
Because the children were not studied while in Romanian orphanages - not possible to state with areas of privation were most influential.

Question 6

What other research does it link to?

Answer 6

Morison and Elwood found similar results with a group of Romanian orphans adopted by Canadian adoptive parents - Rutter’s results = replicable
Rutter et al followed up the same children ages 11 and found that many showed normal levels of functioning and 50% of those showing disinhibited attachment at 6 were still doing so
O Connor et al …
Rutter et al …