DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/H7V2-3532
Author ORCID Identifier
0000-0002-1901-6227
Defense Date
2020
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Dr. Wendy Kliewer
Second Advisor
Dr. Michael Southam-Gerow
Third Advisor
Dr. Rosalie Corona
Fourth Advisor
Dr. Faye Z. Belgrave
Fifth Advisor
Dr. Hollee McGinnis
Abstract
Worldwide, approximately 2-8 million children reside in institutional care, which can lead to developmental setbacks. Given the need for institutional care persists, it is important to continue investigating which improvements can be made to provide optimal care. The current mixed-methods study included participants from Accra, Ghana. Study 1 involved cluster analyses to determine patterns of adjustment for 100 children in institutional care (CIC) (M age = 13.31 years, SD = 3.14; 40% female) and 100 children in families (CIF) (M age = 13.37 years, SD = 3.08; 40% female) across several domains. ANOVA was used to evaluate whether protective factors differentiated between patterns. Findings were compared between the CIC and CIF. Study 2 used qualitative interviews with 38 Ghanaian teachers and institutional staff (M age = 43.31 years, SD = 10.37; 82% female) to gather adult perceptions of youth adjustment and interpretations of Study 1 results. Results revealed multiple patterns functioning for CIC and CIF. It was determined that three groups of CIC met the definition of resilience one or more areas of functioning. For CIC, problem-solving coping varied between clusters, while for CIF self-efficacy and adaptability varied significantly. Study 2 participants largely affirmed the quantitative findings, noting that children may struggle some areas while having strengths in others. Having basic needs met, a stable home, and a high level of adult support were the most common factors believed to contribute to positive functioning. Participants explained why problem-solving coping was significant for CIC. Intervention implications and future directions were discussed.
Rights
© Anna W. Wright
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
5-18-2020