Understanding deprivation and its negative effects

Deprivation refers to the loss of emotional care from an attachment figure after a bond has been formed. This separation can be temporary or permanent, leading to various negative effects on a child's emotional, social, and cognitive development.

Strategies to reduce short-term deprivation effects

Key approaches for short-term deprivation

• Providing a replacement attachment figure - This is someone who steps in to meet the child's emotional needs.
• Increasing contact and stimulation - Regular attention and engaging activities from the substitute caregiver.
• Avoiding separation in early years - Delaying any necessary separations until after the first two years of life allows strong primary attachments to form, creating a secure base that serves as a template for healthy future relationships.

Evidence from key studies on institutional care

Skeels and Dye (1939) study

• Aim - This early research compared orphans in different environments to assess the impact of emotional care.
• Method - One group of orphans was transferred to a home for women with mental retardation, where the women provided attention and stimulation. A control group remained in a standard orphanage.
• Results - After approximately one and a half years, the transferred group's average IQ rose from 64 to 92 points, while the control group's IQ fell from 87 to 61 points.
• Conclusions - The emotional care from the women reduced deprivation effects.

Skeels (1966) follow-up

• Aim - This long-term assessment revisited the participants from the 1939 study.

• Method - The original groups were evaluated over two decades later to check for lasting effects.

• Results - The benefits persisted.

Skodak and Skeels (1945) study

• Aim - This research focused on improving orphanage conditions.

• Method - Each child in an orphanage was assigned a dedicated staff member to provide individual support and attention.

• Results - Children's wellbeing improved.

Approaches for long-term deprivation

Long-term deprivation often stems from permanent losses, such as a parent's death or divorce.

Key strategies for long-term deprivation

• Maintaining routine with an attachment figure - Ensure a reliable caregiver keeps daily routines consistent.
• Encouraging communication - Talking to older children about their experiences and feelings.
• Facilitating peer support - Having children stay as houseguests with older children who can provide companionship and understanding.

Factors affecting the success of interventions

Influences on intervention effectiveness

• Age of the child - Younger children typically respond better to interventions as their attachment systems are more flexible.
• Duration of deprivation - Shorter periods of deprivation are associated with better outcomes from interventions.