Classic Research- Bowlby

Methodology- how many participants were in the study?

44 thieves- 31 boys 13 girls

& 44 non-delinquent children to use as comparison

Methodology- ages of the children

Between 5 & 17, over half under 11

How was the children’s intelligent assessed and what were the results?

Binet Scale

Results average or slightly above-

50% IQ 85-114 average 100

Fifteen had a higher IQ and 2 children scored quite low

The mothers

Mothers of both control group & thieves were also involved in the study to give background information on the children & their case histories

Procedure- what sampling method used

Opportunity sampling

Procedure- step by step of what was done in the study- 8 steps

1. Conduct an IQ test on the 88 kids to assess intelligence

2. Note emotional altitude of child

3. Social worker interview child’s mother & record preliminary detail about child’s early psychiatric history

4. Both psychologist & social worker repeated to Bowlby

5. Bowlby interviewes child & mother

6. After 2 hour examination team reviews school & other reports discussing conclusions

7. Most kids continued to meet psychiatrist for next 6 months or more, weekly basis

8. Mother talked about problems with the social worker

findings- how many thieves were normal

2

findings- how many thieves were Depressed

9

findings- how many thieves were Circular

2 unstable kids who show alternating depression & over-activity

findings- how many thieves were Hyperthymic

Children who demonstrate constant overactivity

13

findings- how many thieves were Affectionless

14

findings- how many thieves were Schizoid

4

Findings- What was difference in findings of those in criminal group & control group

No affectionless characters amongst control group

How many affectionless thieves were separated from their mothers?

12

What was the Bowlbys 1st conclusion?

Bowlby is doubtful whether a law abiding affectionless characters exists “it is probably true to say that the affectionless characters always steals and usually becomes a recidivist”

Recidivist- reoffender- in & out of prison

What was Bowlbys 2nd conclusion?

Affectionless thieves have a “remarkably early history-prolonged separations from their mothers or foster mothers”

What did Bowlby suggest?

Affectionless characters need to be identified as early as possible to avoid juvenile delinquency.

What is maternal deprivation?

When a child has formed an attachment with their primary care giver

When a child forms a bond with mother during key years 0-2.5 years and a sudden separation occurs child may become emotionally and intellectually disturbed unless a substitute replaces the mother

Bowlby believed lack of maternal care caused an individual to become a delinquent