Theory of maternal deprivation

Question 1

Separation

Answer 1

Fine in short periods as long as child is being cared for by CG substitute

Question 2

Deprivation

Answer 2

Child is deprived of emotional care - can be when CG is physically present but emotionally absent

Question 3

Critical period

Answer 3

0-2.5 years

Question 4

Sensitive period

Answer 4

0-5 years

Question 5

Intellectual effects on development

Answer 5

Atypically low IQ

Question 6

Evidence for low IQ

Answer 6

Goldfard (1947) found lower IQ in children who stayed in institutions compared to fostered children

Question 7

Emotional effects on development

Answer 7

Affectionless psychopathy

Question 8

Affectionless psychopathy

Answer 8

Inability to experience guilt/strong emotions towards others
T/f unable to develop fulfilling relationships
Lack of empathy/remorse for actions - can lead to criminal behaviour

Question 9

Bowlby’s procedure

Answer 9

• Interviewed 44 criminal teens accused of theft for signs of AP
• Families also interviewd to see whether theives had prolonged MS
• Compared to 44 non-criminal but emotionally disturbed teens

Question 10

Bowlby’s findings

Answer 10

• 14 of 44 thieves could be decribed as AP
• 12 of these had experienced prolonged separation - 5 of remaining 30 had experienced separations
• 2 of control group had experienced long separations

Question 11

Bowlby’s conclusion

Answer 11

Prolonged early separation/deprivation cause AP

Question 12

Limitation - evidence

Answer 12

Bowlby carried out interviews - knew in advance which he expected to show signs of psychopathy
Bias questions - also influenced by Goldfarb’s theory

Question 13

Limitation - privation

Answer 13

Rutter found dsitincton between privation (failure to form any attachment in the first place) and deprivation
Severe long term damage Bowlby associated with deprivation is more likely to be privation
Overstimated seriousness of effects of deprivation