Bowlby's theory of maternal deprivation significantly diverges from Freud's theories on early childhood development, particularly in its focus and foundational concepts. Freud's psychoanalytic theory emphasises the role of internal drives and unconscious motivations in early development, with a strong focus on psychosexual stages and the Oedipus complex. In contrast, Bowlby's theory centres on the importance of a child's relationship with their primary caregiver, particularly the mother, and the consequences of deprivation of this care. While Freud highlighted the internal psychological conflicts and developmental stages, Bowlby stressed the external relationship dynamics and the critical need for a nurturing environment during the early years. Bowlby's approach is more aligned with attachment theory, emphasising the tangible impact of real-life experiences in early childhood, rather than the symbolic or internal psychological processes emphasised by Freud.

Modern perspectives on Bowlby’s theory of maternal deprivation have incorporated advancements in developmental psychology and neuroscience, leading to several revisions and expansions of the original concept. Contemporary researchers emphasise the plasticity of the brain, suggesting that while early experiences are crucial, they are not always deterministic. This view acknowledges that children can sometimes overcome early deficits given the right circumstances later in life. Additionally, modern attachment theory has expanded to recognise the roles of multiple caregivers and the broader social environment in a child's development. The importance of the quality of the caregiving relationship, rather than the mere presence of a caregiver, is also highlighted. Moreover, the influence of genetic and biological factors in resilience and development is more acknowledged, balancing the earlier emphasis on environmental factors.

The concept of 'affectionless psychopathy' is a critical component of Bowlby’s theory of maternal deprivation and refers to the development of an emotional disorder characterised by a lack of empathy and inability to form meaningful emotional relationships. Bowlby suggested that this disorder could arise in individuals who experienced prolonged periods of maternal deprivation during their early years. The implication of this concept is profound, as it links early childhood experiences directly with later personality development. Individuals diagnosed with affectionless psychopathy often have difficulty forming bonds, show little guilt or concern for others, and may engage in antisocial or criminal behaviour. This concept has influenced the understanding of the long-term psychological effects of early childhood experiences and has implications for mental health treatment, child welfare policies, and the criminal justice system.

Bowlby’s theory of maternal deprivation has had a significant impact on childcare practices and policies. One of the most notable influences has been the increased emphasis on the importance of early attachment and bonding between a child and their primary caregiver. This has led to changes in hospital practices, such as encouraging rooming-in, where babies stay in the same room as their mothers rather than in a nursery. There has also been a greater focus on parental leave policies, recognising the importance of parents being present during the early stages of a child's life. In the realm of child welfare and foster care, Bowlby's theory has underscored the importance of stable, long-term placements for children to ensure consistent caregiving. Additionally, the theory has influenced the approach to institutional care for children, with a move towards creating more family-like environments and reducing the time children spend in such settings.

One common misconception about Bowlby’s theory of maternal deprivation is that it implies that only mothers can provide the necessary care for healthy child development. Bowlby’s use of the term 'maternal' refers to the primary caregiver, who could be a father, grandparent, or other guardians, not exclusively the biological mother. Another misconception is that Bowlby’s theory suggests that any separation from the primary caregiver will lead to negative outcomes. In reality, Bowlby acknowledged that short-term separations might not be harmful, especially if the child is well-cared for during that time. Additionally, some people mistakenly believe that the theory states that the effects of early deprivation are irreversible. While Bowlby emphasised the potential for long-term consequences, modern interpretations of the theory recognise the potential for recovery and resilience with appropriate interventions and supportive environments.