describe and evaluate Bowlby's theory of maternal deprivation

Question 1

what does maternal deprivation mean?

Answer 1

a loss of emotional care from mother during critical period
if you are separated in first 2.5 years the damage is irreversible

Question 2

what are the effects of MD?

Answer 2

lack of intellectual development ie: low IQ
lack of emotional development ie: affectionless psychopathy

Question 3

what was Bowlby’s study?

Answer 3

-44 thieves study
- investigated the link between affectionless psychopathy and maternal deprivation
- 14/44 thieves were affectionless psychopaths
- 12 of which had prolonged separation

Question 4

what are the real world applications?

Answer 4

• childcare practices -> practical value

Question 5

what did Goldfarb find out about children raised in institutions?

Answer 5

• children raised in institutions had lower IQs than those fostered earlier

Question 6

what did rutter argue Bowlby confused deprivation with?

Answer 6

privation (never forming an attachment)
–> puts into question the accuracy of research

Question 7

what did critics argue about the “critical period”

Answer 7

better defined as a sensitive period
effects CAN be reversed

Question 8

what is an issue with Bowlby conducting his interviews?

Answer 8

presents an investigator bias