Maternal deprivation theory

• Theory of maternal deprivation - prolonged emotional deprivation has long term consequences
• Key strands of the theory:

  1. The value of maternal care
  2. Critical period
  3. Long term consequences
• The value of maternal care

  Bowlby was the first to recognise the impact of emotional care as well as physical care.
• Critical period - first 30 months of life
• Critical period

  • seperation from a mother causes psychological damage specifically in the first 2.5 years
  • the risk continues up to the age of 5
• Long term consequences of deprivation:

  • emotional maladjustment
  • mental health problems