Posted: August 30th, 2023

Exploring the Effects of Maternal Deprivation on Child Development

Annotated Bibliography Sample: Exploring the Effects of Maternal Deprivation on Child Development

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Introduction

This annotated bibliography presents summaries and assessments of two research articles that delve into the effects of maternal deprivation on child development. These studies explore the intricate connections between early life experiences, attachment disorders, and various developmental outcomes in children. The articles provide insights into how maternal deprivation can impact cognitive, emotional, and moral development, shedding light on the broader implications for child well-being.

Cross, D., & Purvis, K. (2008). Is maternal deprivation the root of all evil? Avances en Psycologia Latinoamericana, 26(1), 66-81.

Cross and Purvis (2008) address the crucial question of whether maternal deprivation serves as a fundamental factor influencing child development. The authors intertwine spiritual perspectives with empirical evidence, effectively establishing a solid foundation to support their argument. They meticulously examine the intricate links between maltreatment and attachment disorders, drawing on a wide array of references to fortify their claims. The authors dissect the causes of maternal deprivation individually, subsequently integrating these insights into a more comprehensive framework that concurs with the article’s overarching thesis.

Feldman, R. (2007). Mother-infant synchrony and the development of moral orientation in childhood and adolescence: Direct and indirect mechanisms of developmental continuity. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 77(4), 582-597. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/0002-9432.77.4.582

Feldman’s longitudinal study (2007) embarks on a comprehensive exploration of the intricate relationship between mother-infant synchrony and subsequent moral development in children. Over the course of a decade, 31 Israeli children were closely tracked from infancy to adolescence. Feldman identifies intriguing parallels between enhanced attachment and coherence during infancy and the child’s evolving moral cognition, empathetic growth, and verbal IQ. Importantly, the study reveals that toddlers who exhibit effective self-regulation in their behavior tend to excel in areas such as linguistic skills and the understanding of lead-lag structures.

Conclusion

The articles reviewed in this annotated bibliography provide valuable insights into the multifaceted impact of maternal deprivation on child development. Through a blend of spiritual perspectives and empirical analysis, Cross and Purvis (2008) elucidate the profound connections between maltreatment and attachment disorders. Meanwhile, Feldman’s longitudinal study (2007) illuminates the enduring influence of mother-infant synchrony on moral orientation and cognitive abilities. Together, these articles contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between early life experiences and various aspects of child development.