Bowlbys theory of maternal deprivation

• What is Bowlby’s Maternal Deprivation Theory?

  The idea that continuous care from a primary attachment figure is essential for healthy psychological development, and prolonged separation can lead to negative effects.
• What is the critical period according to Bowlby?

  The first 30 months of life, during which the presence of a primary caregiver is crucial for healthy emotional and social development.
• What are the effects of maternal deprivation?

  Intellectual development: Low IQ (intellectual delay). Emotional development: Affectionless psychopathy, leading to inability to form relationships or show empathy.
• What is affectionless psychopathy?

  A condition characterized by lack of guilt, empathy, and concern for others, often linked to maternal deprivation.
• What study is most associated with Bowlby’s theory?

  Bowlby’s 44 Thieves Study (1944).
• What was the aim of Bowlby’s 44 Thieves Study?

  To investigate the link between maternal deprivation and affectionless psychopathy.
• What were the findings of Bowlby’s 44 Thieves Study?

  14 of the 44 thieves were classified as affectionless psychopaths. 12 of these 14 had experienced prolonged separation from their mothers during the first two years of life. Only 5 of the remaining thieves experienced separation, and no affectionless psychopaths were found in the control group
• What did Bowlby conclude from the 44 Thieves Study?

  Prolonged early separation can lead to emotional and behavioral issues such as affectionless psychopathy.
• What is the difference between deprivation and separation?


  Separation: Temporary absence of the caregiver. Deprivation: Prolonged or permanent loss of caregiver, leading to psychological harm.
• What is a criticism of Bowlby’s Maternal Deprivation Theory?

  It overemphasizes the role of maternal care, ignoring the quality of substitutes or broader social factors.
• How does research by Lewis (1954) challenge Bowlby’s findings?:

  In a replication of the 44 Thieves Study with 500 children, prolonged separation did not predict criminal behavior or emotional issues, suggesting other factors may be involved.
• How does Rutter (1981) criticize Bowlby’s theory?


  : Rutter argued Bowlby confused deprivation with privation, claiming that the latter (failure to form any attachment) has more severe consequences.
• How does animal research support Bowlby’s theory?

  Studies like Harlow’s monkeys and Lorenz’s imprinting show the importance of early attachment for emotional and social development.
• Privation - a failure to form a early attachment in childhood