Bowlby's theory of maternal deprivation Flashcards
Who came up with the theory of maternal deprivation?
Bowlby
What did Bowlby say about mother love?
Just as important as minerals and vitamins for a child’s health
What are the effects of maternal deprivation?
Affectionless psychopathology
Developmental retardation
Delinquency
Increased aggression
Depression
Are the effects of maternal deprivation irreversible?
Affects the internal working model and they won’t become good parents due to the continuity hypothesis
Is there research evidence for Bowlby’s theory of maternal deprivation?
44 thieves study - 87% of the children from the child guidance clinics who were diagnosed with affectionless psychopathology had experienced periods of prolonged separation from their mother. Less than 4% of the control group had experienced such separations.
Are there methodological problems with Bowlby’s 44 thieves study?
Could be that affectionless psychopathology causes children to be left by caregiver rather than the other way round. Bowlby also carried out study himself.
Is there contradictory evidence to Bowlby’s theory of maternal deprivation?
The Czech twins lost their mother and lived with father and stepmother. They were banished to the cellar for the next 5.5 years and rescued when they were seven. By the age of 14, their IQ had normalised and they were emotionally stable by 21. By their 30’s they were married with kids.
Are there practical applications of Bowlby’s theory of maternal deprivation?
Contributed to the prison system, introduction of mother and baby units. 80 places across the country where baby can stay with their mother for up to 18 months.
Are there theoretical flaws with Bowlby’s theory of maternal deprivation?
Rutter claimed that Bowlby was mixing up deprivation with privation as they never formed any attachment in the first place.
