Attachment- Maternal deprivation and the internal working model Flashcards
What is Bowlbys theory of maternal deprivation ?
Attachment is essential for healthy physiological and emotional development. It states that there will be many negative and irreversible consequences such as an inability to form attachments in the future and affection less psychopathy
What was Bowlbys 44 thieves study ?
He studied 44 child thieves and a control group of 44 non thieves and interviewed them all to assess for affection less psychopathy
What were the findings of Bowlbys 44 thieves study ?
14 thieves matched the criteria for affection less psychopathy compared to none of the control group. 12 of these 14 had experienced prolonged separation from their caregivers compared to only 2 from the control. This shows a link between maternal deprivation and delinquency
What is instutionalisation ?
When children are cared for by the state and are often brought up in large homes or hospitals
What is privation ?
The complete absence of care so there is no ability for an attachment to be formed
How is privation shown in instututionalisation ?
As they are often far too little numbers of nurses to take care of children and they often go without emotional care and are severely malnourished and often abused
How many Romanian orphans did Rutter study ?
165
What was Rutters procedure ?
Of those adopted they were grouped into those adopted before 6 months, between 6 months and 2 years and older than 2 years. A control group of British children who had not experienced privation were also included in the study. He assessed each group at the ages 4, 6, 11, 15.
What ages did Rutter assess each child at in his longitudinal study ?
4, 6, 11, 15
What were the main findings of Rutters study ?
- At age 6, adopted children showed less stranger anxiety and this was more common in those adopted over 2 years old
- At age 11 children adopted after 6 months showed delayed emotional, physical and cognitive development
- Intellectual problems continued up to the 15 assessment
What were the outcomes of Rutters research ?
Critical period now named sensitive period as even children adopted after 2 years show recovery
What were the advantages of the Romanian orphan studies ?
It had massive practical applications and changed the way children are cared for and infants are provided with more specialised care and put into foster homes
What is an internal working model ?
A template for how relationships should work and is often based on our own childhood experiences. It is what we use to form our romantic relationships and even relationships with our own children
