Using an example of an attachment research study, explain what is meant by 'institutionalisation'. (4 marks)

Start by giving the definition of the key term: Institutionalisation is when children live in institutions, such as hospitals or orphanages, for extended periods of time. Then, bring in an attachment study and link it to the definition: Rutter's ERA study followed Romanian orphans after they had been adopted in the UK. He found that the longer a child had been institutionalised, the lower their IQ was. Children who had been adopted before 6 months had an IQ of 102, children adopted between six months and 2 years had an IQ of 86, and children adopted after 2 years had an IQ of only 77. Therefore, Rutter concluded that institutionalisation impacted intelligence.