institutionalisation

• 4 effects of institutionalisation

  physical

  intellectual

  emotional

  social
• rutter and songua barke procedure

  165 romanian children who were in institutions but then adopted between 2 and 4.

  compared to 52 British children adopted before 6 months.

  tested for physical, social and cognitive development.
• rutter and songua barke findings

  Romanian children classified as mentally retarded.

  children adopted after 6 months showed disinhibited attachment and had difficulties with peer relationships
• disinhibited attachment

  the child doesn't seem to prefer their parents over other people, even strangers

  the child seeks comfort and attention from virtually anyone without distinction
• conclusion of rutter and songua barke

  best to adopt before 7 months (critical period)

  adopt before 6 months - IQ= 102

  adopt between 6 months + 2 yrs - IQ=86

  adopt after 2 years - IQ = 77
• bucharest early intervention project

  assessed attachment in 95 children 12-31 months who spent 90% of life in institution compared to those in normal families.

  attachment styles measured using strange situation
• findings of Bucharest intervention project

  74% control group securely attached but on 19% institution

  20% inhibited attachment control compared to 44% institution
• why were children growing up in institutions more likely to exhibit disinhibited attachment

  they weren't able to form attachments
• practical applications in care system

  children should be put into foster care asap

  more staff in institutions so they can form attachments
• criticised due to Romania having extreme conditions that can't be generalised to most parts of the world