n. absence of something needed or desired, particularly something required to satisfy essential physiological needs, such as those for food and sleep. Privation is distinct from deprivation, which involves the initial presence and then removal of such requirements.

In child psychology, privation is the absence or lack of basic necessities. Privation occurs when a child has no opportunity to form a relationship with a parent figure, or when such relationship is distorted, due to their treatment.

Privation is the failure to form an attachment, often studied through cases of severe child abuse, neglect, or institutionalisation. It is different to deprivation, where an attachment has been formed but later disrupted.

Psychology Definition of PRIVATION: Doing without the necessities of human existence such as food, water or shelter.

Psychologists have long been interested in understanding the effects of privation, which is defined as the lack of care or attention from a primary caregiver. This deprivation of love and affection can have a profound impact on an individual’s mental and emotional health (Rutter, 1987).