Romanian orphan studies: effects of institutionalisation

The Romanian orphan studies investigated the effects of institutionalisation — growing up in institutions such as orphanages where children often receive limited emotional and social care.

These studies became possible after the fall of the Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu in 1989, when extremely poor conditions in Romanian orphanages were revealed.

Institutionalisation

Institutionalisation refers to the effects of living for long periods in an institution where:

• Emotional care is limited

• There may be many children but few caregivers

• Attachments are difficult to form

Common effects include:

• Delayed intellectual development

• Poor emotional development

• Disinhibited attachment

Key Romanian Orphan Studies

Rutter et al. (English and Romanian Adoptees Study)

Conducted by Michael Rutter

Aim

To investigate whether Romanian orphans adopted into UK families could recover from early institutional deprivation.

Method

Longitudinal study following Romanian adoptees over time

Compared:

• Romanian children adopted before 6 months

• Romanian children adopted after 6 months

• UK adoptees (control group)

Children were assessed at ages 4, 6, 11, and later.

Findings

Adopted before 6 months

• Most developed normally

• Similar emotional and intellectual development to UK adoptees

Suggests recovery is possible if adopted early

Adopted after 6 months

Many showed:

• Low IQ

• Attachment difficulties

• Social problems

Social developed disinhibited attachment:

• Excessive friendliness toward strangers

• Lack of appropriate stranger anxiety

Indicates long-term effects of institutionalisation

Conclusion

There appears to be a sensitive period for attachment formation. Early adoption into caring families can reduce damage.