Bowlby's Theory of Maternal Deprivation

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  • Bowlby's Theory of Maternal Deprivation
    • 44 Juvenile Thieves
      • Procedure
        • He analysed histories of patients where he used to work all of the children were emotionally maladjusted
        • He studied 88 of these children - half had been caught stealing and the other half were a control group
        • He suggested that the thieves were affectionless psychopaths
        • They lacked normal signs of affection, shame, sense of responsibility
        • Such characteristics enabled them to be thieves as it didn't matter to them
      • Findings
        • Lack of continuous care may result in emotional maladjustment
        • Early separations consisted of foster homes and hospital with few visits
        • The individuals diagnosed as affectionless had experienced early separation from their mothers
        • 86% experienced frequent separations
        • Almost none of the control P's experienced early separation
    • Critical Period
      • Children who are denied care and/or prolonged separation may become emotionally disturbed
      • The critical period is 3-6 months for an attachment to be made
      • separation will only have an effect up to the age of about 2 and a half years and if there is no substitute mother available
      • This could also have an effect up to the age of 5 according to Bowlby
      • Potential damage can be avoided if a substitute mother is caring for the infant
      • Separation does not necessarily result in deprivation and long term damage

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