CONSEQUENCES OF PSYCHOLOGICAL DEPRIVATION

Abstract

This article examines the psychological and social consequences of emotional deprivation in early childhood, emphasizing its impact on personality development, attachment patterns, and emotional regulation. Emotional attachment plays a fundamental role in shaping a child’s sense of security and social competence. When attachment is disrupted due to parental neglect, institutional care, long-term hospitalization, or repeated separations, children experience psychological deprivation that manifests in cognitive delays, emotional withdrawal, and impaired social functioning. The study identifies several behavioral patterns among deprived children – hyperactive social types, social provocateurs, withdrawn (depressed) types, and those who substitute emotional needs through alternative behaviors. Drawing on the works of Anna Freud, Sophie Dann, and Mary Ainsworth, the paper argues that the intensity and duration of deprivation determine its reversibility. Short-term deprivation may be corrected through consistent care and emotional engagement, whereas prolonged deprivation during the first three years of life leads to irreversible developmental deficits. The findings highlight the irreplaceable role of stable emotional relationships and family-based care in preventing long-term psychological harm. Effective rehabilitation requires not only meeting children’s physical needs but also ensuring continuous affection, attention, and social interaction that foster trust, empathy, and resilience.