Bowlby

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Aim
Bowlby wanted to observe first hand effects of seperation on children. He investigated 'habitual delinquency'. Overall, 88 involved in study.
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Experimental Group
31 boys and 13 girls- 44 children, ages 5-17. Grade IV thieves (22 children) had been stealing for 3 years. Grade I thieves (4 children) stole once. About 50% had an IQ score from 85-144 (100-mean score). 15 thieves- higher IQ and 2 below 85.
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Control Group
Similar in age, sex and IQ to the 'thieves'. Emotionally disturbed, but did not steal. 44 in control group, referred to child guidance clinic for emotional problems.
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Mothers- interviewed by Social Worker
Interviewed in order to assess the case histories of the children and to establish any prolonged seperations from mothers.
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Procedures
Initial examination- Opportunity sampling. Intelligence and emotional attitude was tested and mothers (2 hours). Therapy- met with psychiatrist weekly over 6 or more months. Mothers talked over problems with social worker- Enabled detail & diagnosis
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Findings
Diagnosis- can distinguish between diff personality types- difficult as children aren't fully developed (NORMAL, DEPRESSED, CIRCULAR, HYPERTHYMIC, AFFECTIONLESS & SCHIZOID). 14 were affectionless!
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The Affectionless Character
Clear pattern formed in relation to delinquency. eg. Betty L, Derek B, Kenneth W. Such seperations were rare amoungst the other types of thieves. 30 non-affectionless thieves, 3 of whom experienced seperations. Control Group- 2 experienced seperation
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Other Factors
17 experienced early seperations. 17/27 thieves had mothers who were 'quote'. 5/27 had fathers who openly hated them. Non-delinquent group- early seperations may explain emotional problems, but not delinquency.
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Evaluation- Methodology & Procedures. No Casual Findings, Biased Data and The Sample.
No casual findings- variable wasn't manipulated, just the relationship. Discords at home may cause emotional problems- affectionless nature of some children. Biased Data- Qualitative data based on extensive interviews. Limited data- 1 persons view.
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Ethical Issues
Confidentiality/ Privacy- report gives first names/ initial letter of last name- may have preferred their details not to be published. Valid Consent- Parents gave consent- children may not know nature/purpose of research.
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Social Implications
Treatment should be offered to delinquents. Earlier diagnosis made- better for treatment. Prevention rather than treatment. Prolonged seperation from mother may be avoidable. e.g. Mother has died or simply because of social circumstances
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Conclusions
Early experiences are of vital importance in later development. Damage to mother-child relationship affects SUPEREGOs development- reduced sense of morals. Children wouldn't become offenders, if they hadn't experienced harmful development.
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Experimental Group

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31 boys and 13 girls- 44 children, ages 5-17. Grade IV thieves (22 children) had been stealing for 3 years. Grade I thieves (4 children) stole once. About 50% had an IQ score from 85-144 (100-mean score). 15 thieves- higher IQ and 2 below 85.

Card 3

Front

Control Group

Back

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Card 4

Front

Mothers- interviewed by Social Worker

Back

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Card 5

Front

Procedures

Back

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