Study of Behavioral and Emotional Problems Among Institutionalized Children

Background: Behavior and emotional problems are common among children in any socio-economic setting. Orphans are a vulnerable group, simply because they are deprived of one or both of their primary caregivers. The level of vulnerability they face, however, increases significantly with the level of poverty. Aim of the Study: To assess behavioral and emotional problems among institutionalized children. Research Design: A Descriptive research design was applied to suit with the nature of the present study. Research Setting: This study was conducted at institution of education for Boys and Girls at Tanta and El-Mansoura Cities. Subjects: The sample of this study included all institutionalized school age children who are separated from their parents and live in the previously mentioned settings. Boys n=84 and Girls n=30. Tools: Two tools were used in this study namely: • Tool I: An observation checklist to assess behavioral problems, and • Tool II: The children’s depression inventory (CDI) is a 27 item scale assessing affective, cognitive, motivational, and somatic symptoms of depression. Results: This study found the majority of the participants were defensive, not making friendships with many children, sometimes telling lies, feeling sad, crying, shouting, screaming, and stealing, sometimes biting or pinching others and throwing things at others. The study also reveals the distribution of institutionalized school age children in relation to hyperactivity, withdrawal, aggressiveness, and disobedience scores.