On the basis of case study research, psychoanalyst Bruno Bettelheim wrote that autism in children is caused by cold and rejecting mothers. Thousands of women blamed themselves for lacking warmth. The example is described in order to:

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This example illustrates that drawing conclusions solely on the basis of case studies can have disastrous results. Bettelheim's theory was later discredited, but not before many mothers blamed themselves for their child's autism. This highlights the potential harm that can result from relying on a single case study or theory, without considering alternative explanations or conducting further research.

On the Basis of Case Study Research, Psychoanalyst Bruno Bettelheim