Summary of Bowlby Study Flashcards
What was the aim of bowlby’s study?
Bowlby aimed to investigate the effects of separation between infants and their primary caregivers, particularly mothers, on their emotional and cognitive development
What was the methodology of bowlby study?
Bowlby conducted a case study, observing infants who experienced separation from their mothers. He studied 44 juvenile thieves, comparing their early experiences, including separation from their mothers, with their later behavior.
What did bowlby find?
Bowlby found that children who experienced prolonged separation from their mothers exhibited higher rates of emotional insecurity, behavioral issues, and difficulties forming relationships later in life. Specifically, he noted that 86% of the juvenile thieves had experienced early separation from their mothers, compared to only 17% of the control group.
What did bowlby conclude?
Bowlby concluded that the maternal-infant bond is crucial for healthy emotional and social development. He proposed that disruptions in this bond, such as prolonged separation, could lead to long-term negative consequences, including delinquency and antisocial behavior.
How was this study implicated?
Bowlby’s study highlighted the importance of maternal care in infancy and the potential risks associated with maternal separation. It informed subsequent research on attachment theory, emphasizing the need for secure attachments in early childhood for healthy development.
