Rutter et al's research
Followed 165 Romanian orphans over years for English and Romanian adoptee (ERA) study. They were adopted in UK, the ERA aims to investigate how well good care can atone for bad early experiences. Development was assessed at 4, 6, 11, 15 and 22-25. Control was 52 UK children adopted around the same time.
Findings - Half adoptees showed delayed intellectual development and were malnourished upon arrival to UK. At 11, they showed different rates of recovery, related to age of adoption. Mean IQ of adoption before 6 months was 102. IQ of 86 for between 6 months and 2 years, and 77 for after 2 years. Children adopted after 6 months displayed disinhibited attachment. Symptoms = Attention Seeking, Clinginess, Social behaviour directed indiscriminately
Zeanah et al's research
Conducted the BEI project, assessing attachment in 95 (12-31 month old) Romanian children who spent time mostly in institution. Compared to 50 children never in institution. Measured with Strange Situation and carers were asked about unusual social behaviours.
Findings - 74% of control group were secure, 19% of Institutional were secure. 44% of Institution were disinhibited compared to <20% of Control
Effects of Institutionalisation
Disinhibited Attachment - They are equally friendly to familiar and unfamiliar people which is unusual (Stranger anxiety). Rutter explained the attachment as adapting to living with multiple caregivers during the sensitive period. In poor institutions, children may have many carers and not form a secure attachment with any.
Intellectual Disability - Most children in Rutter's Study showed intellectual delay upon arrival, but those adopted before 6 months caught up to control group by 4 years old. Damage to intellectual development from institutionalisation can also be recovered at the same age attachment is formed