Question 1: Define the term 'institutionalisation' as it relates to child development.

Answer: Institutionalisation refers to the process by which children are raised in an institution, such as an orphanage or care home, often characterized by a lack of consistent caregiver relationships and limited emotional attachment opportunities.

Question 2: Describe two potential effects of prolonged institutionalisation on a child's emotional development.

Answer: Prolonged institutionalisation can lead to emotional deprivation, resulting in difficulties forming secure attachments and feelings of attachment insecurity. It may also cause emotional withdrawal and reduced social skills due to lack of consistent emotional support.

Question 3: Explain the findings of Rutter’s Romanian Orphan Studies regarding the impact of institutionalisation on attachment.

Answer: Rutter’s research found that children who experienced prolonged institutionalisation showed significant attachment issues, such as disinhibited attachment and difficulties forming close relationships. However, some children demonstrated recovery when moved to a nurturing environment, highlighting the importance of early intervention.

Question 4: Identify and explain two factors that can influence the severity of attachment difficulties in institutionalised children.

Answer: The quality of care provided, including caregiver responsiveness and consistency, can influence attachment outcomes. Additionally, the age at which a child enters the institution affects their development; the earlier the entry, the higher the risk of attachment issues.

Question 5: Discuss how a lack of a primary caregiver in an institutional setting might affect a child's ability to form attachments later in life.

Answer: A lack of a primary caregiver can hinder the child's ability to develop secure attachments because they do not experience consistent emotional support and bonding. This may lead to difficulties in trusting others and forming close relationships in adulthood.

Question 6: Imagine you are designing a care environment for institutionalised children to promote healthy attachment. List three features your environment should include.

Answer: Consistent and responsive caregivers, opportunities for one-on-one interactions, and a stable routine to help children feel secure and develop trusting relationships.

Question 7: Draw a simple schematic plan of a care environment designed to promote attachment. Include key features such as caregiver roles, activity areas, and routines. Label your drawing clearly.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a designated area for caregivers with clear pathways to activity zones, a quiet space for one-on-one interactions, and labels indicating routines such as mealtimes and playtimes. The drawing should depict a warm, welcoming environment emphasizing stability and responsiveness.

Question 8: Critically evaluate whether early institutionalisation has long-term effects on attachment styles. Support your answer with psychological theories or research evidence.

Answer: Research suggests that early institutionalisation can have long-term effects on attachment, often leading to insecure or disorganised attachment styles due to inconsistent caregiving. The Romanian orphan studies by Rutter provide evidence of persistent attachment issues, though some children show recovery with early intervention, indicating that the impact can be mitigated.

Question 9: What ethical considerations should researchers keep in mind when studying the effects of institutionalisation on children?

Answer: Researchers must ensure the well-being and safety of children, obtain informed consent from guardians, avoid causing distress, and ensure confidentiality. They should also consider the potential long-term impacts of their research and avoid exploiting vulnerable populations.