Bowlby’s theory of maternal deprivation

1. Bowlby’s theory of maternal deprivation

2. Starter Write down the 8 stages of Ainsworth’s strange situation and what each was testing to find

4. Learning outcomes • Outline the Maternal Deprivation Hypothesis • Interpret what conclusions you can make from Bowlby’s 44 thieves study • Identify factors other than separation that can be responsible for a lack of intellectual development • Evaluate the MDH

5. Maternal deprivation theory (1951) • This theory focuses on how the effects of early experiences may interfere with the usual processes of attachment formation. • Bowlby proposed that separation from the mother or mother substitute has serious consequences (maternal deprivation).

6. Separation Vs Deprivation Separation: Child not being in presence of primary attachment figure. This only becomes an issue if the child is deprived e.g. they lose an element of care. Extended separations can lead to deprivation, which causes harm. How long did Bowlby believe the critical period was? What did Bowlby believe would happen if child did not have primary caregiver during this time? That psychological damage would be inevitable

7. Effects on development Intellectual development: if deprived would suffer delayed ID characterised by low IQ. Goldfarb (1947) found lower IQ in children who remained in institutions compared to those who were adopted – he believed this was due to their higher standard of emotional care Emotional development: if deprived of mothers care, children develop affectionless psychopathy– the inability to experience guilt or strong emotion for others. Prevents forming normal relationships.

8. Activity: • Read page 35 of your packs – the 44 juvenile thieves study and discuss what conclusions can be drawn from it. • Then evaluate the 44 thieves study - decide if the points are strengths or weaknesses of the study and explain why.

9. Activity Read Goldfarb’s study and in pairs come up with factors other than separation that could be responsible for lack of intellectual development Be prepared to feedback to the class

10. Activity • In threes– Each read one of the studies on page 41 which are either support or critique the Maternal Deprivation Hypothesis. • Feedback to your group what your study says and how it can either support or critique MDH • Then as a group discuss if you think Harlow’s findings support MDH and explain why • Then write 6 evaluation points for the Maternal Deprivation Hypothesis –what acroym will you need to use?

11. Exam Question 7(a)June 2009 Research has suggested that institutionalisation can have Negative effects on children. In the 1990’s, many children were found living in poor quality orphanages in Romania. Luca had lived in one of these orphanages from birth. When he was four years old, he was adopted and he left the orphanage to live in Canada. His development was then studied for a number of years. Outline possible negative effects of institutionalisation on Luca (4 marks)

12. Peer Mark

13. Quiz Time!

14. Which of the following best describes maternal deprivation • Separation from the primary attachment figure • Failure to attach to a primary attachment figure • Failure of attachment figures to feed the infant • Loss of care of the primary attachment figure without a substitute

15. Which of the following best describes maternal deprivation • Separation from the primary attachment figure • Failure to attach to a primary attachment figure • Failure of attachment figures to feed the infant • Loss of care of the primary attachment figure without a substitute

16. The critical period in which prolonged separation can lead to deprivation is within the first • 30 days • 30 weeks • 30 months • 30 years

17. The critical period in which prolonged separation can lead to deprivation is within the first • 30 days • 30 weeks • 30 months • 30 years

18. Which of the following is true of the 44 thieves study? • There was no association between maternal deprivation and affectionless psychopathy • Partial replications, e.g. Lewis have found similar results • Results are not supported by those of Goldfarb • There may be bias because Bowlby assessed affectionless psychopathy and deprivation

19. Which of the following is true of the 44 thieves study? • There was no association between maternal deprivation and affectionless psychopathy • Partial replications, e.g. Lewis have found similar results • Results are not supported by those of Goldfarb • There may be bias because Bowlby assessed affectionless psychopathy and deprivation

20. Which of the following is not usually a symptom of affectionless psychopathy • Lack of empathy • Lack of guilt • Inability to form close relationships • Serial Murder

21. Which of the following is not usually a symptom of affectionless psychopathy • Lack of empathy • Lack of guilt • Inability to form close relationships • Serial Murder

22. Homework Complete page 38 of your packs Read Pages 42-43 of pack –Hazan and Schaffer Love Quiz