Disruption of attachment: short-term effects

Robertson and Bolwby (1952)

To see what the short-term effects were of deprivation.

Observed the behaviours of children placed in residential nurseries because their mothers had to be away. 

The children showed 3 progressive reactions:

1. protest stage cried and called for mother

2. despair stage cried now and then & lost interest in surroundings

3. detachment stage appeared to recover & take more interest in surroundings but lost interest in mother when she returned 

• Young children should be taken away from mother as least as possible
• If unavoidable the child's emotional/physical needs should be catered for
• They should be prepared sensitively to help cope with separation e.g. meeting the people who will be looking after them