A Descriptive Study of Emotional and Behavioural Problems of Children Staying in Institutional Homes

Orphans and the other vulnerable children and adolescents living in institutional homes are more prone to behavioral and emotional problems than others, as they are deprived of a family's love and care. The aim of the study was to describe emotional and behavioral problems and coping strategies of children living in institutions. A case study approach was employed focusing on residential social care institution. Participants of the study were 15 children 10-16 years old. A qualitative approach was employed to capture the personal experience of children’s emotional and behavioral problems. The data were triangulated by using different qualitative methods. The study showed that the orphans at institutional homes are vulnerable to behavioral and emotional problems. The reasons of emotional problems included discrimination, rejection, psychological violence, etc. Children used as coping skills, dreaming for the future and extroverting behaviors.