Bowlby's Theory of Maternal Deprivation

Separation?

when a child and primary attachment figure are not in each other’s presence​

Separation consequences?

no consequences

Deprivation?

when a child loses an element of care from their primary attachment figure for a prolonged time ​

Deprivation consequences?

negative consequences

Privation?

when a child has never formed an attachment​

Privation consequences?

extremely negative consequences

What is Bowlby’s Maternal Deprivation Hypothesis based on?

an experiment he conducted - 44 Thieves Study

When did Bowlby carry out this 44 Thieves Study?

1944

44 Thieves Study (1944): sample?

88 children

Type of sample used?

opportunity sample - used kids referred to the clinic

44 Thieves Study (1944): what didn’t society have in 1930s?

no welfare-state or child benefits

44 Thieves Study (1944): Group 1?

44 Juveniles (children) referred to Bowlby because of theft

44 Thieves Study (1944): Group 2?

44 Juveniles (children) referred to Bowlby for emotional problems

44 Thieves Study (1944): what design was used?

matched pair design

44 Thieves Study (1944): what were children matched in terms of?

age and IQ

44 Thieves Study (1944): who was interviewed seperately?

both mother and child

44 Thieves Study (1944): in the interview, what about the child did the psychologist assess?

their intelligence and their emotional maturity/attitude

44 Thieves Study (1944): what did they ask the mother about in the interview?

any separations and deprivations during the critical period (history of the child’s life)

44 Thieves Study (1944): what did Bowlby do to form a conclusion?

drew lots of different data together to form a conclusion

Affectionless psychopaths?

lacking empathy for others, showing little affection or concern for others including a lack og guilt about their actions

Findings Group 1: how many were affectionless psychopaths?

14/44

Findings Group 1: how many experienced prolonged separation from mother in the first 2 years?

12/44

Findings Group 2: how many experienced prolonged separation from mother in the first 2 years?

2/44

Findings Group 2: how many were affectionless psychopaths?

0/2