Abuse of children with mental disabilities in home environment and their behavioural and emotional problems

Esmeralda Božić (2017) Abuse of children with mental disabilities in home environment and their behavioural and emotional problems. MSc thesis.

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Abstract

What problems does a person face, whose early childhood remained unfulfilled with primary physiological needs – the need for safety, the need to belong, love, be respected and esteemed, cognitive and aesthetic needs and self-actualization? Thesis research targets a group of children with moderate to major disorders in mental development. This is a vulnerable group of individuals, which are facing even larger difficulties in dealing with their life situation because of combination of multiple disorders. Research focused on: which areas of child’s development (social, cognitive, emotional) are most affected by abuse in family environment; what is the effect of abuse in family environment on specific areas of child’s development; what is the role of special and rehabilitation pedagogue or other expert involved with the case; how is the practice of teamwork and holistic approach to working with children with emotional and behavioral problems executed within an institution; what is its advantage and where can we find potential flaws. Different help systems already applied in these cases have been individually researched and compared using a qualitative approach. These systems will be assessed on the level of family, school, social services and legislation. Furthermore, effect of abuse on different areas of child's life will be evaluated while primarily focusing on behavioral and emotional problems. Document analysis has provided answers to research questions, and serve as basis for conducting half-structured interviews with experts involved in evaluated help methodologies. Four cases of children with moderate to major mental disabilities arising from domestic abuse have been analyzed. I have confirmed that abuse of children with mental disabilities arising from domestic environment affect all areas of child’s development: social (negative behavior), cognitive (learning disabilities) and emotional (deep internal distress). By conducting interviews I have confirmed the role of special and rehabilitation pedagogue and other experts in the help system and demonstrated crucial importance of team collaboration.

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