Bowlby 44 thieves

• Findings:

  • Children diagnosed with 6 character types:

  Normal - 2

  Depressed - 9

  Circular - 2

  Hyperthymic - 13

  Affectionless - 14

  Schizoid - 4

  • Most common was seen to be affectionless
  • Characteristics of this type is lack normal affection, shame which makes it easier to steal without remorse
  • 23 thieves were grade IV with 13 of them being affectionless
  • 12 of the 14 affectionless experienced maternal separation, 5 out of the 30 of other thieves and 2 out of 44 in control group
  • 5 thieves who didn't experience maternal separation instead had dads who were openly hostile and didn’t want the child
• Methodology

  • case studies based on information gathered from clinical interviews
  • research sample gathered by opportunity ( all referred to London Child Guidance Clinic due to being 'emotionally disturbed'' )
  • 44 thieves aged 5 - 17 years old
  • Assessed on intelligence: 27 average IQ , 15 higher IQ and 2 lower IQ
  • graded I - IV on severity of their theft
  • control group was 44 emotionally disturbed NON THIEVES similar in age and IQ and economic status
• Procedure

  • 1936-1939 research carried out in the London Child Guidance Clinic
  • Each child been referred to the clinic as emotionally disturbed
  • On arrival 2-hour procedure 
  • Mental tests with a psychologist - Binet test for IQ, as well an emotional attitude 
  • Interview with social worker + mother = child's early history
  • Report then made by social worker + psychologist, given to psychiatrist (Bowlby)
  • Bowlby then interviews the child + mother
  • Team reviews school + other reports
  • Weekly meetings between Bowlby + child carried out - some for 6 months 
  • Mother discusses problems with social worker
• Conclusions

  • Concluded factors that inhibit the development of ability to form relationships affect the likelihood of offending.
  • Findings confirm the assumption that early years are of importance on development
  • However juvenile crime not just psychological issue, also social + economic e.g lack of recreational activities + poor housing may be important too.
  • Early diagnosis of character + the causes of it can lead to early treatment of delinquents, prevention is better than cure e.g. those who care for child aware of the damage of separation + provide good substitute emotional care.