Characteristics of Interaction Between Institutionalized Children with Respect to Age

Abstract

This study examined the interaction between institutionalized infants and young children living in different orphanage (baby home) environments in relation to their age. Results revealed that children from family type baby homes in comparison with children from traditional baby homes demonstrate the age-related changes in the majority of interaction parameters and in the total sum of all interaction parameters, which may indicate the development of greater social competence. The age-related changes were found to be observed mostly in the group of typically developing children, whereas children with special needs in both types of baby homes have not demonstrated changes in interaction parameters. The results of the study are discussed in relation to the influence of the quality of social emotional environment on the development of children in baby homes. Refs 26.