conclusions

• the conclusions drawn by Bowlby was that children would not have become offenders if they had not had experiences that were harmful to a healthy development
• in keeping with the psychodynamic approach, Bowlby believed that early experiences are vital in shaping later development - in particular, the relationship between the mother and child was crucial.

  damage to this relationship could affect the development of the superego, leading to a reduced sense of right and wrong.
• Bowlby notes that juvenile delinquency is not only caused by psychological factors, but also linked to social and economic problems such as housing, poverty and a lack of recreational facilities.
• the implication of this study is that treatment should be offered to delinquents and that early diagnosis should lead to more effective treatment.

  the prolonged separation of mother and child should also be avoided if it all possible in order to avoid long-term consequences for the child's social and economic development.