Bowlbys theory of maternal deprivation

What does Bowlby believe about the value of maternal care

He thinks that in order to have a good mental health your mother must have been warm, inimate and continuous with you

What age must attachment occur before

2 and a half years

What happens if a child doesn't form an attachment before this time

They will find it very difficult, near impossible, to form attachments in later life

Does separation lead to deprivation

Not necessarily, if there is a substitute emotional care before 2 and half years

What are the long-term consequences of deprivation

• emotional maladjustment
• mental health problems e.g. depression

Evaluation of Bowlbys theory of deprivation

Criticism - Rutter argued that privation was much more harmful for a child and Bowlby doesn’t speak about the difference between deprivation and privation

Some people think its physical separation but deprivation can just be emotional e.g. a depressed mother who can’t give emotional care

Bowlbys work led to major social changes and how children are cared for in hospitals