Romanian Orphans

• Romanian Orphan study

  • Abortions were illegal
  • Women forced to have kids
  • Which were discarded in orphanages.
  • These children were adopted by British families.
• Institutionalisation - places where children live for a long time for example hospital and orphanages
• Romanian Orphanages study:

  • 165 Romanian Orphans adopted by British people.
  • Longitudinal study
  • Tested wether good care can make up for poor early life.
  • Development of child was tested every few years.
  • Control group of adopted British children.
• In the Romanian orphan study

  • Children adopted earlier in life had higher IQS.
  • Shows how sensitive period is important for development.