Romanian Orphan Studies

• What event brought international attention to Romanian orphanages?

  The fall of Nicolae Ceaușescu's regime
• What were the main characteristics of Romanian orphanages in the early 1990s?

  • Severe deprivation of physical and emotional care
  • Overcrowding and understaffing
  • Lack of stimulation and interaction
  • Poor nutrition and malnourishment
• Why did psychologists study Romanian orphanages?


  To investigate the effects of early deprivation on child development
• How long did the severe conditions in Romanian orphanages persist?

  Several decades
• Who conducted the English and Romanian Adoptees (ERA) Study?

  Michael Rutter and the ERA Study Team
• What methodologies were used in the Romanian Orphan Studies?

  1. Longitudinal design in the ERA Study
  2. Randomized controlled trial in the BEIP
  3. Comparison groups (Romanian vs. UK adoptees)
  4. Comprehensive assessments (cognitive, social, emotional)
  5. Brain imaging techniques (EEG and MRI)
• What were the main findings regarding cognitive development in the Romanian Orphan Studies?


  Children with longer deprivation had lower IQ scores
• What attachment issues were observed in institutionalized children?


  Signs of disinhibited attachment
• What physical growth issues were noted in institutionalized children?

  Significant growth delays
• What did EEG studies reveal about brain development in institutionalized children?


  Reduced brain activity
• What mental health issues were more prevalent in children from institutional care?

  Higher rates of ADHD, anxiety, and quasi-autism
• What are the implications of the Romanian Orphan Studies for child development?


  • Support for critical periods in development
  • Development of early intervention strategies
  • Influence on international adoption policies
  • Highlighting the negative impacts of institutional care
• What ethical considerations arose from the Romanian Orphan Studies?


  • Withholding intervention in the BEIP
  • Obtaining informed consent from vulnerable populations
  • Long-term psychological effects on participants
  • Cultural sensitivity in assessments and interventions
• What criticism did the BEIP face regarding intervention?


  Not immediately removing all children from institutional care
• What was a concern regarding informed consent in the Romanian Orphan Studies?


  Obtaining consent from institutionalized children or their guardians
• What were the long-term outcomes for children adopted after 24 months?


  They often faced more challenges in forming secure attachments.
• How did early intervention affect attachment formation in adopted children?


  It facilitated the formation of secure attachments, especially if adopted early.
• What types of cognitive tests were used in the Romanian Orphan Studies?


  Cognitive tests, interviews, and questionnaires.
• What specific age ranges were studied in the English and Romanian Adoptees (ERA) Study?

  Children adopted before 6 months, 6-24 months, and 24-42 months.
• What role did Nicolae Ceaușescu play in the establishment of Romanian orphanages?


  He ruled Romania from 1965 to 1989, during which severe conditions developed.
• Why is cultural sensitivity important in the context of the Romanian Orphan Studies?


  To ensure assessments and interventions are appropriate for diverse populations