REFRIGERATOR MOTHER Meaning and
Definition
-
"Refrigerator mother" is a derogatory term used historically in psychology and psychiatry to describe a mother, typically the mother of a child diagnosed with autism, who was thought to be emotionally cold and distant, and therefore, believed to be the cause of her child's developmental disability. The term gained traction during the mid-20th century when the field of autism research was emerging.
This pejorative term implied that a "refrigerator mother" displayed inadequate affection and maternal warmth, which psychologists and psychiatrists hypothesized would lead to emotional and developmental issues in her child, such as autism. The theory behind the term, which has long been discredited, suggested that the child's lack of emotional connection was a direct result of the mother's supposed emotional deficit.
It is crucial to recognize that the concept of "refrigerator mother" is deeply outdated and has been extensively debunked. Research in the field of autism and psychology has debunked the notion that parenting styles contribute to the development of autism. Modern understanding of autism spectrum disorder recognizes that it is a complex neurodevelopmental condition with various genetic and environmental factors at play.
It is crucial to use this term with caution, as it perpetuates harmful stereotypes and unfairly blames mothers for their children's autistic traits. Society has shifted toward a more compassionate and empathetic perspective, focusing on supporting families and individuals affected by autism, rather than placing blame or responsibility on any one individual.
Etymology of REFRIGERATOR MOTHER
The term "refrigerator mother" originated in the 1950s and 1960s within the field of psychiatry to describe a controversial hypothesis about the cause of autism. It suggested that autistic behaviors in children were a result of emotionally remote and cold mothers, specifically comparing them to a refrigerator – an appliance devoid of warmth or emotional connection.
The etymology of the term itself stems from the metaphorical association between a mother's emotional distance and a refrigerator's lack of warmth. It was introduced by researchers such as Leo Kanner, a psychiatrist who used the term in his 1943 paper titled "Autistic Disturbances of Affective Contact". The idea gained some traction during that time, and some experts even attributed autism solely to maternal neglect.
However, it is important to note that this hypothesis was largely discredited and dismissed by later research and understanding.
