Bowlby’s theory of maternal deprivation - Attachment [A-Level Psychology]

Summary

This video explores Bowlby's theory of maternal deprivation, highlighting the importance of a secure bond between infants and their mothers. It delves into the consequences of maternal deprivation, including emotional, social, and intellectual impairments. Bowlby's Forty-Four Thieves Study supports his theory but is critiqued for its correlation-based nature. The video also contrasts maternal deprivation with privation, discussing the findings from the Romanian orphan studies, which suggest a more flexible 'sensitive period' for attachment. It emphasizes the role of early intervention and adoption in mitigating long-term negative effects, influencing policy and care practices.

Takeaways

• 😀 Bowlby’s theory of maternal deprivation highlights the importance of a strong bond between infants and their mother, known as 'monotropy'.
• 😀 The critical period for forming a monotropic bond is up to 30 months, and interruptions during this time can lead to severe developmental consequences.
• 😀 Maternal deprivation can lead to poor social development, emotional difficulties, and intellectual impairment, with lower IQs observed in affected children.
• 😀 Bowlby’s Continuity Hypothesis suggests that early attachment experiences influence future relationships and parenting styles.
• 😀 Bowlby’s 'Forty-Four Thieves Study' showed that children who experienced prolonged separation from their caregivers were more likely to engage in delinquent behavior and show affectionless psychopathy.
• 😀 Bowlby’s research is correlational, meaning it cannot definitively establish causation, and factors like socio-economic status or family history might influence outcomes.
• 😀 Bowlby’s theory has impacted public policies, such as increased maternity leave and changes in hospital visitation policies to promote consistent caregiver presence.
• 😀 The emphasis on maternal attachment has faced criticism for reinforcing traditional gender roles and overlooking the role of fathers and other caregivers in emotional development.
• 😀 Romanian orphan studies show the effects of privation (complete lack of emotional care), which is a more severe condition than maternal deprivation.
• 😀 Rutter’s study of Romanian orphans (1998-2011) revealed that children adopted before 6 months had better developmental outcomes than those adopted later, suggesting that early adoption is crucial for recovery from privation.
• 😀 The findings of orphan studies suggest a 'sensitive period' for attachment, where earlier care and intervention can mitigate the negative effects of privation and institutionalization.

Q & A

What is the main focus of John Bowlby's attachment theory?

John Bowlby's attachment theory focuses on the importance of a child's primary attachment to their caregiver, especially the mother, and how this bond forms the foundation for emotional and social development.

What does the term 'Monotropy' refer to in Bowlby's theory?

'Monotropy' refers to the idea that infants form a uniquely strong bond with their primary caregiver, typically the mother, who serves as a secure base for the child's development and exploration.

How long is the 'critical period' for forming a monotropic bond according to Bowlby?

Bowlby believed the 'critical period' for forming a monotropic bond lasts up to 30 months (2.5 years) after birth.

What are the potential consequences of maternal deprivation according to Bowlby?

Maternal deprivation can lead to poor social development, emotional issues such as affectionless psychopathy, and intellectual impairments, such as a lower IQ. It may also cause difficulties in future relationships and parenting.

What is the 'internal working model' in Bowlby's attachment theory?

The 'internal working model' refers to a mental framework formed from early attachment experiences that shapes how individuals perceive and interact in future relationships.

What did Bowlby’s Forty-Four Thieves Study suggest about maternal deprivation?

Bowlby's Forty-Four Thieves Study suggested that children who had been deprived of their primary caregiver during the critical period were more likely to exhibit delinquent behavior and show signs of affectionless psychopathy.

Why are Bowlby's attachment studies considered correlational rather than experimental?

Bowlby's studies are correlational because it is impossible to conduct controlled experiments on the effects of maternal deprivation. This means Bowlby’s research cannot establish causation, and other factors such as socio-economic status or family history could influence outcomes.

What has been the impact of Bowlby's attachment theory on public policy?

Bowlby's attachment theory has influenced changes in public policy, such as altering hospital visitor policies to ensure consistent caregiver presence for hospitalized children and increasing maternity leave, though these changes have had economic implications.

What is the difference between maternal deprivation and privation in attachment theory?

Maternal deprivation refers to insufficient emotional care due to frequent or prolonged absences of the primary attachment figure, while privation refers to the complete absence of emotional care, meaning the child is unable to form any attachment bonds.

How did the Romanian orphan studies challenge Bowlby's critical period concept?

The Romanian orphan studies suggested that early deprivation has severe effects on development, but also that recovery is possible with timely and appropriate care. These findings support the idea of a 'sensitive period' rather than a rigid 'critical period' for attachment.