Outline and evaluate Bowlby’s theory of maternal deprivation as an
explanation for attachment
Para 1:
Bowlby believed attachment was necessary for normal development as it provides a healthy
Internal Working Model
• This is a mental representation of their relationship with the primary care giver
• The model acts as a template of how relationships should be and the fact that the child’s
future childhood and adult relationships will be based on their early attachment
relationship
• A warm, continuous relationship with the mother is, therefore, important for psychological
health.
Maternal Deprivation refers to frequent temporary separation from the mother, disrupting this
relationship - results in serious and permanent damage to a child’s emotional, social and
intellectual development
Effects: Low IQ, delayed intellectual development, affection-less psychopathy
Para 2:
Affection-less psychopathy is individuals who can’t exhibit
• Caring behaviours - Shame
• Concern - Remorse
• Affection - Guilt
• Empathy - No contrition for bad deeds
They are associated with criminality and all this prevents normal relationships
However, this only applies if the deprivation occurs during the critical period of development
between the ages of 0 and 2.5 years
Bowlby also thought there was a continuing risk until the age of 5 years
Effects can be prevented or reduced if provided with a loving, maternal substitute who
provides good emotional care
Para 3:
One study = 44 thieves study (Bowlby, 1944) - Studied the effects on emotional development
Aim: To investigate the long term effects of maternal deprivation
Procedure:
• Between 1936 and 1939 an opportunity sample of 88 children was selected from the clinic
where
• Bowlby worked - 44 were juvenile thieves and had been referred because of their stealing
• Bowlby selected another group of 44 children to act as controls - referred to him for
emotional problems, not committed any crimes yet
• Each child had their IQ tested by a psychologist who also assesses the child’s emotional
attitudes towards the tests
• A social worker interviewed a parent to record the details of the Childs early life (eg
periods of separation)
• Initial interview with the child and accompanying parent conducted
explanation for attachment
Para 1:
Bowlby believed attachment was necessary for normal development as it provides a healthy
Internal Working Model
• This is a mental representation of their relationship with the primary care giver
• The model acts as a template of how relationships should be and the fact that the child’s
future childhood and adult relationships will be based on their early attachment
relationship
• A warm, continuous relationship with the mother is, therefore, important for psychological
health.
Maternal Deprivation refers to frequent temporary separation from the mother, disrupting this
relationship - results in serious and permanent damage to a child’s emotional, social and
intellectual development
Effects: Low IQ, delayed intellectual development, affection-less psychopathy
Para 2:
Affection-less psychopathy is individuals who can’t exhibit
• Caring behaviours - Shame
• Concern - Remorse
• Affection - Guilt
• Empathy - No contrition for bad deeds
They are associated with criminality and all this prevents normal relationships
However, this only applies if the deprivation occurs during the critical period of development
between the ages of 0 and 2.5 years
Bowlby also thought there was a continuing risk until the age of 5 years
Effects can be prevented or reduced if provided with a loving, maternal substitute who
provides good emotional care
Para 3:
One study = 44 thieves study (Bowlby, 1944) - Studied the effects on emotional development
Aim: To investigate the long term effects of maternal deprivation
Procedure:
• Between 1936 and 1939 an opportunity sample of 88 children was selected from the clinic
where
• Bowlby worked - 44 were juvenile thieves and had been referred because of their stealing
• Bowlby selected another group of 44 children to act as controls - referred to him for
emotional problems, not committed any crimes yet
• Each child had their IQ tested by a psychologist who also assesses the child’s emotional
attitudes towards the tests
• A social worker interviewed a parent to record the details of the Childs early life (eg
periods of separation)
• Initial interview with the child and accompanying parent conducted
