Maternal deprivation theory

• Maternal Deprivation theory


  Proposed by John Bowlby, there is a link between maternal deprivation and antisocial or criminal behaviour
• Maternal deprivation


  Broken relationship with the primary caregiver (usually the mother) and the child
• Bowlby's belief


  • For a child to develop normally, they must form a close and continuous relationship with their mother from birth to the age of 5
  • If there is detachment between the primary caregiver and the child through separation (even for a short period) it may leave the child unable to form meaningful emotional relationships with others-'affectionless psychopathy'
  • This can lead to criminal behaviours in the future
• Evidence for Maternal Deprivation theory

  • Study of 44 juvenile thieves referred to a child guidance clinic
  • 39% of them had suffered maternal deprivation before the age of 5 for six months or more
  • Compared to only 5% of control group of non-delinquents