Research into separation

Research into separation

1. Research into the effects of deprivation

   • SPITZ and WOLF (1946)
     • 100 seemingly normal children
     • Became seriously depressed after staying in hospital
     • Found that children generally recovered well if separation lasted less than 3 months
     • Longer separations were rarely associated with complete recovery

2. BOWLBY

   • Separation threatened the attachment relationship and led to emotional deprivation

3. JAMES ROBERTSON and JOYCE ROBERTSON (1971)

   • Separation need not lead to emotional deprivation so long as separation is minimized and substitute emotional care is provided
   • Various children under 3 years who experienced separations - in particular, a little boy called John who spent nine days in a residential nursery
     • Staff had little time to attend his needs
     • Film shows John being overwhelmed by new environment
       • Clung to teddy bear when frightened
     • John progressively became more withdrawn and despairing
     • Negatively greeted mother upon return by trying to get away from her
       • For months, John showed outbursts of anger towards mother
   • Other children were cared for by Joyce Robertson in her own home
     • Arranged children to visit mothers in hospital
     • Children brought things from home with them
       • Enabled emotional bonds with home to be maintained during separation
     • Positively welcomed parents at the end of their stay

4. SKEELS and DYE (1939)

   • Compared the development of two groups of orphans
     • One group was raised in a home for mentally retarded women who gave them attention
       • After 1.5 years, average IQs rose from 64 to 92 points
     • Other group was a control group who remained in original institution
       • After 1.5 years, average IQs fell from 87 to 61 points
   • Assessed the children 20 years later and claimed that the effects were still apparent
     • Can be explained by emotional care the group received which helped to reduce the emotional deprivation that the other group experienced in the institution