Psychosocial deficits underpinning child headed households (CHHs) in Mabvuku and Tafara suburbs of Harare, Zimbabwe

A. Makuyana, S.P. Mbulayi and S.M. Kangethe

Children and Youth Services Review, 2020, vol. 115, issue C

Abstract: Debates around the psycho-social deficits experienced by children in child headed households are necessary for the transformation of child welfare policies, philosophies and practices in Zimbabwe and beyond. This qualitative study used a case study design to explore the manifestations of the core psycho-social deficits associated with children domiciled in child headed households. The study was conceptualised around the following research question: What are the manifestations of psychosocial deficits among children living in child headed households of Mabvuku and Tafara suburbs of Harare, Zimbabwe? A total sample of fourteen participants including twelve children and two key informants were interviewed using pre-designed interview schedules. Findings revealed that psychosocial deficits among children from child headed households manifested through poor personal grooming, indecision and avoidance of challenging situations by the children; sexual violence and unplanned teenage pregnancy; familial and societal neglect, discrimination and isolation and vicarious bereavement. The study recommended moral regeneration, refinement and realignment of child welfare policies and practices; and an extension of grief counselling services to children in child headed households.

Keywords: Moral regeneration; Psycho-social deficit; Child welfare; Grief counseling; Sexual abuse; Teenage pregnancy; Child socialization (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:115:y:2020:i:c:s0190740919314203

DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.105093

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