Refrigerator mother theory
Refrigerator Mother Theory
The Refrigerator Mother Theory (pronunciation: /rɪˈfrɪdʒəreɪtər ˈmʌðər θɪəri/) is a now-debunked hypothesis that posited autism and schizophrenia were caused by emotionally distant mothers. The term was coined in the mid-20th century by child psychiatrist Leo Kanner and popularized by Bruno Bettelheim, both of whom believed that a lack of maternal warmth was a primary cause of these conditions.
Etymology
The term "refrigerator mother" was derived from the metaphorical image of a mother who was as cold and unfeeling as a refrigerator. This term was used to describe mothers who were thought to be emotionally unavailable and thus, according to the theory, responsible for their child's autism or schizophrenia.
Theory and Criticism
The Refrigerator Mother Theory was widely accepted in the medical community during the 1950s and 1960s. However, it faced significant criticism and was eventually debunked. The theory was criticized for its lack of empirical evidence and for blaming mothers for conditions that are now understood to be neurological and genetic in nature.
The theory was largely abandoned in the 1970s after research demonstrated that autism and schizophrenia are not caused by parenting styles but are instead associated with biological factors. Today, the Refrigerator Mother Theory is considered an unfortunate chapter in the history of psychiatry and psychology.
Related Terms
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Refrigerator mother theory
- Wikipedia's article - Refrigerator mother theory
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