Bowlby's Theory of Maternal Deprivation

Separation vs Deprivation

Separation is when the child is not in the presence of the mother. Separation for long periods of time can cause deprivation.

What role does the critical period play for maternal deprivation?

If a child experiences maternal deprivation within their critical period (first 2 years, or for Bowlby even up to 5) then psychological damage is serious and inevitable.

What effects does maternal deprivation have on children?

• Intellectual and Emotional

• Affectionless Psychopathy

• Delinquency

Bowlby’s 44 Thieves Study

• 88 participants - 44 thieves, 44 non-thieves

• All thieves were interviewed for Affectionless Psychopathy

• Looked into family for history of prolonged separation from mother

Bowlby’s 44 Thieves Findings

• 14 of the 44 thieves had Affectionless Psychopathy

• 12 of these 14 had experiences prolonged separation from their mothers

• Only 5 of the remaining non affectionless thieves experienced prolonged separation

• Only 2 of the non-thieves experienced prolonged separation

Strengths

• Practical Real-world applications - highlights importance of consistent good quality care

Limitations

• Biased evidence - Bowlby conducted the study himself and he knew which participants showed signs

• Deprivation vs Privation - Rutter claimed the effects Bowlby was concerned about were rather due to privation rather than deprivation so overestimated effects of deprivation

• Critical period or Sensitive period? - Bowlby claimed effects were irreversible but Koluchova showed the Czech twins were able to overcome effects with good care