Maternal deprivation

Maternal deprivation occurs where infants are deprived of maternal contact or care, handling or nurturing. This can lead to maternal deprivation syndrome, a group of symptoms including stunted physical growth and/or retarded emotional development.

This syndrome has been demonstrated in a number of species in addition to humans, including monkeys and mice.

Books

 * Rutter, M. (1981) Maternal Deprivation Reassessed, 2nd edn, Harmondsworth: Penguin
 * Patton, R.G. and Gardner, L.I. (1963) Growth Failure in Maternal Deprivation, London: C.C. Thomas.

Papers

 * Rutter, M. (1979) Maternal deprivation 1972-1978: new findings, new concepts, new approaches, Child Development 50: 283-305.

Papers

 * Google Scholar