Psychological problems of children in an orphanage

ABSTRACT

Maternal deprivation and failures of attachment behaviour during early childhood is a stress which precipitates psychosocial problems in later life. Research work particularly by Bowlby and Rutter clearly indicates that maternal deprivation causes later emotional and conduct disorders. In this paper an attempt has been made to describe the extent and nature of mental health problems of residents of an Orphanage in Lahore. The results of this study support the previous research findings that there is an increase in the prevalence of emotional and conduct disorders in this group of children. And it is recommended that recognition of the psychosocial aspects of orphanages should be a concern of the Management Board of such institutions and steps should be taken to provide better services to these deprived children