Outline and Evaluate Bowlby’s theory of maternal deprivation.
1. Support from studies
A01: maternal deprivation - need a ward intimate and continuous relationship. If prolonged
separations - emotional maladjustment, but only is separation before 2.5 years- critical
period. Bowlby 44 Juvenile thieves (1944)
A03: But correlation. Could be third factor such as extreme poverty, criminal relatives or a
family history of mental health problems could be related both to early separation and the
child’s behavioural difficulties.
2. No assumed difference between physical and emotional separation
A01: Antonia Bifulco (1992): 25% of women who had experienced separation from their
mothers later depression and anxiety compared to 15% who had no experience of separation.
Support Bowlby.
A03: But, can by physically present but emotionally unavailable. 55% of children of
depressed mothers were insecurely attached compared to 29% in the non-depressed group.
Thus, emotional separation can also lead to deprivation.
3. Real World application
A03: Before - visiting in hospitals was discouraged. Bowlby filmed a 2-year-old girl during
the 8 day period in a hospital. Was distressed and begged to go home. Extra anxiety due to
separation from parents can not only negatively impact the treatment process but lead to
deprivation. Some children have to stay for months when young- hence loose primary
attachment.
Bowlby's work led to a social change in a way children are cared for in hospitals which is a
strength of his research.
4. Deprivation not Privation
A03: Rutter criticised Bowlby's theory of deprivation - too vague, doesn't specify whether the
child lost the attachment or it was never formed. Privation - never forming an attachment.
Rutter believed than privation leads to more detrimental consequences. The internal working
model has never formed, doesn't have a reference for conducting relationships.
Thus, lack of clarity undermines the validity of the theory.
1. Support from studies
A01: maternal deprivation - need a ward intimate and continuous relationship. If prolonged
separations - emotional maladjustment, but only is separation before 2.5 years- critical
period. Bowlby 44 Juvenile thieves (1944)
A03: But correlation. Could be third factor such as extreme poverty, criminal relatives or a
family history of mental health problems could be related both to early separation and the
child’s behavioural difficulties.
2. No assumed difference between physical and emotional separation
A01: Antonia Bifulco (1992): 25% of women who had experienced separation from their
mothers later depression and anxiety compared to 15% who had no experience of separation.
Support Bowlby.
A03: But, can by physically present but emotionally unavailable. 55% of children of
depressed mothers were insecurely attached compared to 29% in the non-depressed group.
Thus, emotional separation can also lead to deprivation.
3. Real World application
A03: Before - visiting in hospitals was discouraged. Bowlby filmed a 2-year-old girl during
the 8 day period in a hospital. Was distressed and begged to go home. Extra anxiety due to
separation from parents can not only negatively impact the treatment process but lead to
deprivation. Some children have to stay for months when young- hence loose primary
attachment.
Bowlby's work led to a social change in a way children are cared for in hospitals which is a
strength of his research.
4. Deprivation not Privation
A03: Rutter criticised Bowlby's theory of deprivation - too vague, doesn't specify whether the
child lost the attachment or it was never formed. Privation - never forming an attachment.
Rutter believed than privation leads to more detrimental consequences. The internal working
model has never formed, doesn't have a reference for conducting relationships.
Thus, lack of clarity undermines the validity of the theory.
