This film summarizes a study of the effect of maternal deprivation. It should be noted that this was an observational study; it did NOT separate the children from their parents for the purpose of the experiment. Children that were institutionalized were observed before and after the therapeutic intervention. All had been reared in institutions without the opportunity for a stable and intimate relationship with one primary caregiver. All had been moved from one institution to another several times. For most of them, the capacity for human relationships was seriously impaired. The first portion of the film shows some of the disorders that appear due to maternal deprivation, the second shows the progress and improvement with dedicated care and psychotherapy.