Attachment - Bowlby's theory of maternal deprivation

Question 1

What was the study called

Answer 1

44 thieves study

Question 2

Procedure

Answer 2

44 deliquent teens accused of stealing
All ‘thieves’ were interviewed for signs of affectionless pyschopathy: characterised by lack of affection, guilt, empathy
Families interviewed to establish any prolonged separation from mothers

Question 3

Findings and conclusions

Answer 3

14/44 thieves - affectionless pyschopaths. 12 of these had experienced prolonged separation from their mother in first 2 years of their lives

Only five of the remaining 30 had experienced separations

Suggesting prolonged early separation/deprivation caused affectionless psychopathy

Question 4

Give 3 limitations

Answer 4

Sources of evidence for maternal deprivation are flawed
Bowlby confused deprivation with privation
Critical period is more of a sensitive period