Bowlbys Maternal Deprivation Hypothesis MDH Bowlbys MDH The
Bowlby’s Maternal Deprivation Hypothesis MDH
Bowlby’s MDH The MDH theory suggests… - Early experiences may interfere with usual attachment formation - Separation from mother (or substitute) has a serious effect on psychological development - Mother-infant love is more important to mental health than vitamins are for physical health
Bowlby’s MDH Definition The emotional and intellectual consequences of separation between a child and their mother (or substitute). Prolonged separation from this adult causes serious damage to emotional and intellectual development Bowlby stated that if a child is separated from its mother during the critical period that psychological damaged was inevitable.
44 thieves MDH – key research Aim – to examine the link between affectionless psychopathy and maternal deprivation Procedure – 1. 44 criminal teenagers (accused of stealing) 2. Interviewed for signs of affectionless psychopathy (e. g. lack of guilt, empathy for victims and affection) 3. Families interviewed in order to establish any prolonged separation from mothers 4. ‘Thieves’ compared to a control group of individuals who were emotionally disturbed but non-criminals (to see how often maternal deprivation occurred in non-thieves)
44 thieves MDH – key research Findings – • 14/44 could be described as affectionless psychopaths • 12/14 experienced separation during first 2 years of life • Only 5/30 remaining thieves experienced separation • 2/44 of the control group (non-thieves) experienced separation Conclusion – Prolonged early separation from the mother causes affectionless psychopathy.
MDH – key research Use the clue cards on your desk to help you complete the evaluation of Bowlby’s research on the 44 thieves.
- Slides: 6