Ralationship between attachment and bahavioural problems among children in residential group homes/alternative care in Polokwane, Limpopo Province

Abstract

The currents study investigated the relationship between attachment and behavioural problems in children in residential group homes (alternative care) in Polokwane, Limpopo. The sample consisted of children (n = 52) and their caregivers (n= 7) from the Samaritan Children’s Home. Both males (n = 30) and females (n = 22) were represented. All caregivers were female. A quantitative, cross-sectional design and simple random sampling were employed. Data was collected using the Relationship in Close Relationships Questionnaire (ECR-RC) and the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL). Methods of analysing were correlational (Pearson’s r) to establish relationships and t-test and ANOVA to establish between- and within-group differences. Results revealed that there was a statistically significant positive correlation between poor attachment and behavioural problems. Male children were found to exhibit more internalising behaviour than externalising behaviour when compared to females on the CBCL. Older children, both male and female (aged 12-14 years) were found to exhibit more behavioural problems than their younger counterparts aged 9-11.