Effects Of Institutionalization On Social-Emotional Development Of Children In Statutory Institutions: A Case Of Thika Children's Rescue Center
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Date
2023-10
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
School of Applied Human Science, Daystar University
Abstract
ABSTRACT
The negative impact of institutional care on children's development has been documented in many studies. However, in developing many countries, children remain in institutional care, and it is not very clear how their stay in these care centers affect their social-emotional development. This study’s aim was to assess the effects of institutional placement on the social-emotional development of children at Thika Children’s Rescue Centre. The objectives included assessing social-emotional needs, caregiver capacity and how attachment formation of these children is affected. The social learning and attachment theories that are crucial in the social-emotional well-being of children informed this study. A case study research design was adopted while census sampling technique was used. A total of 74 children and 12 staff were targeted in the study though only 69 children and 10 officers participated. The data was collected using a questionnaire and Focused group discussion guide and interview guides. Findings revealed that love and sense of self-worth scoring 5.00 out of 6.0 was the most common need followed by sense of belonging at 4.43 and affectionate touch came third at 3.57. The study also established that staff had the capacity to address various social emotional needs of children as they had attained tertiary level of education and that 40% (n=4) of the caregivers had worked there for over 10 years while 40%. The study further revealed that due to time caregivers spent with children while listening to the children at the institution helped them form positive attachment. The study concluded that though some of social-emotional needs are met and children become more open-minded to life, disciplined and friendly more needs to be done. This study recommends staff at the rescue Centre to focus on the social- emotional needs as a way of promoting children confidence.
Description
Masters Thesis
Keywords
Social-Emotional Development, Children, Statutory Institutions
Citation
Kagwiria, M,. (2023 Thesis).Effects Of Institutionalization On Social-Emotional Development Of Children In Statutory Institutions: A Case Of Thika Children's Rescue Center.School of Applied Human Science, Daystar University