AO3

• Strength:

  • One strength of Bowlby’s theory is research support showing its long-term effects on development.
  • For example, Harlow’s monkeys raised in isolation never formed attachments and suffered long-term psychological difficulties such as harming their own young.
  • This supports Bowlby’s claim that early maternal deprivation can hinder healthy psychological development, strengthening the validity of the theory.
• Weakness:

  • One weakness of Bowlby’s theory of maternal deprivation is researcher bias.
  • For instance, in the 44 thieves study, Bowlby conducted both the family interviews and assessments for affectionless psychopathy.
  • Knowing which teenagers he expected to show psychopathy may have biased his interpretations, reducing the validity and reliability of the findings.
• Weakness:

  • A weakness of Bowlby’s theory is that the critical period is better understood as a sensitive period.
  • Bowlby claimed separation during the critical period inevitably caused harm, but Koluchova research challenges this. Twin boys who suffered severe deprivation from 19 months to seven years recovered fully after receiving loving care.
  • This challenges Bowlby’s deterministic view, showing that the effects of deprivation are not irreversible, as Bowlby suggested, and recovery is possible with proper care.