The Effects of Early Institutional Rearing on Mental Health of Children Aged 8 to 12 Years

Abstract

The aim of my study was to investigate the consequences of early institutional rearing on the mental health of a sample of children aged 8-12 years. This study was conducted between the 15111 May and the 15111 June 2003 in two institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina. These institutions were chosen because they share the same care model. A sample of 30 children completed structured questionnaires, which had been translated from English. These were the Child Behaviour Check List-form for parents, TRF- for teachers and YSRF for youngster. I also used my own socio-demographic questionnaire, which measured other characteristics of the sample. The control group was 60 children who attended the elementary schools in Tuzla. Our research confirmed that early deprivation in an institution has a negative effect on behaviour in every day’s life. The lack of parental authority and family protection, together with suffered personal losses among close relatives, contribute to trauma of institutionalized children and diminish their invulnerability. Institutionalized children lean towards apathy, which can be a sign of emotional stress they are submitted to and point towards significant sources of deprivation in every day’s life. Mental health problems are much more represented among children in institutions. Our research confirmed that young children from institutions are a vulnerable group of people and emphasizes the need for equalization of the Bosnian care model to the European standards.