期刊名称:The Journal of Sustainable Development in Africa (JSDA)
电子版ISSN:1520-5509
出版年度:2010
卷号:12
期号:4
出版社:Institute of Sustainable Development in Africa
摘要:Orphanhood and vulnerability are two variables found to be positively correlated to poverty within child- headed households
(CHH) in Zimbabwe. Whilst the Zimbabwean Millennium Goal number 1 aims to eradicate poverty and hunger by 2015,
some orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) within CHHs continue to face psychological challenges perpetuated by the
ever- rising poverty datum line, that seem to be leading victims to psychological disorders . Arguing from a humanistic point
of view, this survey examined the psychological disorders noted among OVC by community caregivers and teachers in
Chipinge District of Manicaland in Zimbabwe. A total sample of 20 OVC, were purposefully and clinically sampled,
observed initially in their natural settings and later on interviewed to solicit data on their developmental experiences. The
study also presents a detailed account of the manifestations of resultant psychological disorders most of which were found to
be rooted in poverty and need deprivation amongst the majority of the OVC. The children lack sufficient resources to sustain
family life. Findings of this survey confirmed that OVC in CHH are faced with psychological difficulties that are somehow
leading to the mushrooming of symptoms of psychological disorders such as dissociative, affective, anxiety and somatoform
disorders. The implication of such situations amongst children, is that communities need to make collaborative efforts to
assist all OVC to live a more or less normalized family life within their poverty stricken CHHs.
关键词:Key words: Orphans, Poverty and Psychological Disorders.