Bowlby believed if an infant is unable to develop a warm intimate continuous relationship with its mother, then they would have difficulty forming relationships with other people and be at risk of behavioural disorders
Critical Period
the first two and a half years of life was a critical period for psychological development, believed that if a child is deprived of emotional care because of frequent separation from their mother then psychological damage is inevitable - also felt there was a continuing risk up until the age of five years (known as the sensitive period).
Long terms effects on Intellectual and Emotional development
Intellectual Development – deprived of maternal care for too long during the critical period would result in intellectual delay, (demonstrated in studies of adoption)
Emotional Development – Bowlby identified affectionless psychopathy as the inability to experience guilt or strong emotions for others.
