Romanian orphans studies: effects of institutionalisation

definitions- institutionalisation- a term fior the effects of living in an institutional setting. the term 'institution' refers to a place like a hospital or an orphanage where children live for long, continuous periods of time. in such places there is often very little emotional care provided. in attachment research we are interested in the effects of institutional care on children's attachment and subsequent development, Orphan studies- these concern children placed in care because their parents cannot look after them. an orphan is a child whose parents have either died or have abandoned them permanently.

Rutter's ERA (english and romanian adoptee) study- to what extent good care could make up for poor early experiences in institutions

procedure:  longitudinal study of 165 romanian orphans adopted in britain,  development was assessed, british adopted children used as control

findings: 

• half the orphans showed mental retardation when came to UK and recovery rates related to their age of adoption: before 6 month- IQ 102, 6 months- 2 years - IQ 86, after 2 years- IQ 77
• disinhibited attachment also related to age of adoption, after 6 months clinginess, attention-seeking and indiscriminate affection to strangers
• support view of sensitive period - failure to form attachment before 6 months…