Lecture Notes: Attachment Theory and Maternal Deprivation

Introduction

• Focus on mother-infant attachment and disruptions.
• Main theorist: John Bowlby.
• Topics covered:
  • Theory of maternal deprivation.
  • Privation (complete absence of maternal care).
  • Romanian orphan studies.

John Bowlby’s Theory of Maternal Deprivation

• Monotropy: Strong bond with mother as a secure base.
• Critical Period: Up to 30 months (2.5 years) to form this bond.
  • Risk of issues extends up to 5 years.
• Consequences of Deprivation:
  • Poor social development (e.g., delinquency).
  • Emotional issues (e.g., affectionless psychopathy).
  • Impaired intellectual development (lower IQ).
• Internal Working Model: Initial bond influences future relationships.
• Continuity Hypothesis: Challenges in relationships and parenting due to ineffective internal working model.

Bowlby’s 44 Thieves Study

• Aim: Support theory of maternal deprivation.
• Found more prolonged separation and affectionless psychopathy among thieves.
• Limitations: Correlational, not causal; other factors could influence results.

Real World Impact of Bowlby's Theory

• Influenced public policy and social systems.
• Changes in hospital policies for children.
• Criticisms:
  • Gender bias towards maternal role.
  • Impact on gender roles and pay gap.
  • Neglects role of fathers and other caregivers.

Romanian Orphan Studies

• Institutionalization and Privation:
  • Institutionalized children adapt to structured environments.
  • Privation: Complete absence of emotional care.
• Rutter’s ERA Study:
  • Longitudinal study of Romanian orphans adopted by British families.
  • Three groups: Adopted before 6 months, between 6-24 months, after 24 months.
  • Key Findings:
    • Disinhibited attachment in children adopted after 6 months.
    • Lower IQ in those adopted after 24 months.
    • Potential for recovery with proper care.

Evaluations of Romanian Orphan Studies

• Impact on adoption and care policies.
• Limitations: Non-random adoption selection; potential bias.
• Continued research needed for long-term effects.
• Other supporting studies (Hodges & Tizard, Goldfarb).

Conclusion

• Early intervention crucial for mitigating effects of deprivation and privation.
• Recognition of sensitive period over critical period for attachment.

Additional Resources

• Psych Boost on YouTube and Patreon for more resources and exam tutorials.