Bowlbys theory of maternal deprevation

• Critical period

  First two and a half years of life

  If separation from mother during this time without suitable substitute care psychological damage was inevitable
• Effects of maternal deprevation

  Intellectual development - low iq eg in institutions

  Emotional development - Affectionless psychopathy
• Bowlbys research

  44 teenagers accused of stealing

  Interviewed for signs of emotionless psychopathy

  Families interviewed wether they experienced early separation from mothers

  Compared to control group of 44 non criminal but emotionally disturbed children
• Findings of bowlbys research

  14 of 44 thieves could be described as emotionless psychopaths

  12 of these experienced prolonged seperation from there mothers for the first two and a half years

  Only 5 of the other thieves experienced separation

  Only 2 in the control group experienced prolonged separation