maternal deprivation theory

• Influenced by the work of Freud

  Bowlby's theory of attachment
• Children


  • Biologically pre-programmed to form attachments with others, because this will help them to survive
  • Have an innate need to attach to one main attachment figure
• Critical period for developing attachment

  Age 5
• If an attachment has not developed during this time period


  It may well not happen at all
• Continual disruption of this attachment


  Could result in a child having long term social, and emotional difficulties - "affectionless psychopathy"
• Bowlby's Maternal Deprivation Theory

  There is a link between maternal deprivation and deviant or anti-social behaviour
• According to Bowlby

  Our way of understanding the world, society and socially acceptable behaviours are based on the relationship with a primary caregiver as an infant
• If this is damaged - affectionless psychopathy

  This can lead to deviant and criminal behaviour
• Bowlby's Evidence


  • Based on a study of 44 juvenile thieves who had been referred to a child guidance clinic
  • 39% of them had suffered maternal deprivation before the age of 5
  • Only 5% of his control group of non-delinquents had suffered maternal deprivation before the age of 5