Romanian orphan studies

• Aim 

  Rutter et al. (1998) aimed to investigate the long-term effects of institutionalisation and privation on children's physical, cognitive, and emotional development. The study specifically sought to understand whether the effects of institutionalisation could be reversed through adoption into nurturing family environments.  

   
• Rutter et al. concluded that the negative effects of institutionalisation, including cognitive delays, physical underdevelopment, and attachment difficulties, can be mitigated if children are adopted into nurturing, stable environments early in life. The findings emphasised the importance of early intervention, as children adopted before 6 months generally experienced normal developmental outcomes, suggesting a critical period for recovery.
• However, the study also demonstrated that the effects of prolonged institutionalisation are not entirely irreversible, particularly when adoption occurs after 2 years of age. Disinhibited attachment and other social deficits were more pronounced and persistent in those adopted later, highlighting the severe impact of early deprivation on social and emotional development.