5- Bowlby's theory of maternal deprivation (including Romanian orphan studies- effects of institutionalisation)

Maternal deprivation

The lack of a continuous, warm, and emotionally responsive relationship with a caregiver during early childhood.

Bowlby’s theory of maternal deprivation

The theory that prolonged deprivation of the mother during a critical period leads to long-term emotional and cognitive damage.

Critical period (maternal deprivation)

The first 2–3 years of life, during which deprivation is thought to have irreversible effects.

Evaluation of the critical period

Evidence suggests a sensitive period is more accurate, as recovery is possible after deprivation.

Effects of maternal deprivation

Emotional maladjustment, intellectual delay, and difficulties forming relationships.

Emotional maladjustment

Behavioural problems such as affectionless psychopathy and poor emotional regulation.

Affectionless psychopathy

The inability to feel guilt or empathy, often linked to early deprivation.

Evaluation of affectionless psychopathy

Based on Bowlby’s observations, but lacks strong empirical support and may be influenced by other factors.

Intellectual delay

Reduced cognitive functioning and lower IQ resulting from early deprivation.

Evaluation of intellectual delay

Evidence from institutional studies supports IQ effects, but deprivation is often confounded with neglect.

44 thieves study

Bowlby’s study examining the link between early separation and later criminal behaviour.

Evaluation of the 44 thieves study

Retrospective design relies on inaccurate recall and cannot establish causation.

Institutionalisation

The effects of living in an institution where there is limited emotional care and stimulation.

Effects of institutionalisation

Delayed cognitive development, social difficulties, and attachment problems.

Romanian orphan studies

Research examining the effects of severe early deprivation on children raised in Romanian institutions.

Rutter et al. (2011)

A longitudinal study following Romanian orphans adopted into the UK to assess long-term outcomes.

Findings of Rutter et al.

Earlier adoption led to better cognitive and emotional outcomes.

Evaluation of Rutter et al.

Longitudinal design increases validity, but attrition may affect reliability.

Disinhibited attachment

A type of insecure attachment characterised by equal friendliness towards strangers and caregivers.

Evaluation of disinhibited attachment

Seen in institutionalised children, supporting deprivation effects, but may improve with stable care.

Sensitive period (institutionalisation)

A time when deprivation has the greatest impact, but recovery remains possible.

Evaluation of sensitive period

Supported by Romanian orphan evidence showing partial recovery after adoption.

Strength of maternal deprivation theory

Highlighted the importance of early emotional care and influenced childcare policy.

Limitation of maternal deprivation theory

Confuses deprivation with privation and overemphasises the role of the mother.

Deprivation vs privation

Deprivation is loss of attachment, while privation is failure to form one.

Evaluation of deprivation vs privation

Many studies fail to distinguish clearly between the two, weakening conclusions.

Ethical issues in institutional research

Concerns about studying vulnerable children exposed to harm.

Evaluation of ethical issues

Modern guidelines protect participants, but early research involved unavoidable distress.