Psychosocial problems and well being in institutionalized and non institutionalized children

Abstract

Background: Most of the research conclusively states that institutionalization of children has an adverse impact on their development, growth, and health. Institutionalized care becomes the only option to some children owing to several conditions like poverty, helplessness and others. Under such circumstances it is believed that institutional care is beneficial to them and a better option than home based care. The present study was intended to determine the role of type of care and gender on psychosocial problems and well being in children. Method: A 2 X 2 factorial design with type of care and gender as the two factors was employed. 40 children under institutional care and 76 children living with their parents were assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and the Adolescent Well Being Scale. Results: Type of care has an impact on almost all the dimensions measured, with institutionalized children showing more internalizing problems, externalizing problems and poor well being. Conclusions: Institutional care has an adverse impact on children leading to poor health outcomes. Care providers in the institutions have to adopt strengths and resilience based approach which focuses on protective factors and encourages the development of skills and traits that help in coping with difficulties. This would work towards improving the health of the institutionalized children.