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January 2005
Institutionalized Children Experience Physical Delays and
Psychological Problems |
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Findings of a study have indicated that institutionalized
children are more likely to experience physical delays and
psychological problems. Researchers studied institutionalized
children in Romania and measured how the age at abandonment,
duration of institutionalization and quality of care affect the
cognitive and physical development of children.
Prior studies have indicated that poor care, lack of
stimulation, and a constantly changing caregiver had negative
effects on institutionalized children. These children reported
physical growth delays. The delays were highly associated with
the amount of deprivation children received (emotional,
intellectual, and nutritional). In addition children adopted
into families of lower socioeconomic status were more likely to
exhibit disruptive behaviors and experience more developmental
delays.
Methods
51 children aged 2 to 6 years old from a state-run orphanage
were recruited for the study. Facility administrators completed
surveys on the children’s psychological, emotional, social and
physical traits. Researchers reviewed the records of all
participants.
Caregivers completed the parent version of the Early Childhood
Inventory-4 assessment. The assessment test measures symptoms
associated with DSM-IV emotional and behavioral disorders. Their
answers were based on the presence of various observable
behaviors.
Results
Results of the study indicated that participants had high rates
of developmental delays, anxiety/affective symptoms, and
physical growth delays.
Physical growth and stature were highly linked to extended
periods of institutionalization. Persons institutionalized for
more than six months experienced physical growth and
developmental delays. Physical standing was also highly
correlated to disruptive behavior and developmental
disabilities. However, persons with a smaller standing were less
likely to exhibit disruptive behavior.
Low scores on the Early Childhood Inventory-4 assessment were
linked to high levels feeding problems, depressive symptoms,
dysthymic symptoms (mood disorders), posttraumatic stress
symptoms, and generalized anxiety symptoms among the study
participants.
Conclusions
Researchers concluded that institutionalization has an enormous
affect of the development of children. The duration of
institutionalization, age at abandonment, and physical stature
were predictors to child outcomes. Long periods of
institutionalization were highly associated with more severe
mental disorders and physical growth delays.
Terms
DSM-IV- Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,
published by the American Psychiatric Association
Complete findings of the study appear in the Journal of the
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry; 10/1/2004;
Authors:
Zaharie, Sonia
Inquiries:
Dr. Ellis, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry,
Dowling 1 North, One Boston Medical Center Place, Boston, MA
02118; e-mail:
heidi.ellis@bmc.org.
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