This study assesses the effects of institutional care on social interaction anxiety in children and further assesses the role of social interaction anxiety in emotional and behavioral problems in children. This study also analyzes the relationship between social interaction anxiety, psychosocial problems and well-being in institutionalized and non-institutionalized children.
One-Hundred Sixteen children between the age range of 12 to 15 years, which included 40 institutionalised and 76 non institutionalised children, were assessed using the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (SIAS), Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaires (SDQ) and Adolescent Well being Scale. It was found that type of care and gender did play a role in social interaction anxiety. Further, social interaction anxiety was associated with psychosocial problems and well being in children. Programs targeting creation of awareness in the caretakers/supervisors in the institutions in this area, and programs aimed at improving the interactional skills of institutionalised children appear to be essential.
