ABSTRACT Orphans in Sub-Saharan Africa are often raised by relatives. Many end up in residential homes due to financial burdens on extended families. As a result, the socio-emotional development of orphans may be adversely affected. This paper explores care workers’ perspectives on the socio-emotional adjustment of orphans in residential homes. Qualitative methods were employed in which eleven male and female care workers from three residential homes for orphans were interviewed. The data was analysed using Thematic Analysis.Results suggest that non-care related duties in the home interfere with care workers’ responsivity to children. Relationships between care workers and children were positive; based on emotional support, listening, responsiveness, and trust. However, orphans tended to have difficulties adjusting to the residential home, expressing emotions, and making friends. Results also showed that orphans continue to deal with the loss of their parents and may, as a result, act in aggressive ways. Recommendations include improved access to psychosocial support and easing care workers’ workload to enable them to effectively aid orphans in navigating their socio-emotional challenges. The paper illustrates key insights into the socio-emotional adjustment of orphans from the perspectives of care workers caring for them.

中文翻译：

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护理人员对住宅中孤儿的社会情感调节的观点

摘要撒哈拉以南非洲的孤儿通常由亲戚抚养。由于大家庭的经济负担，许多人最终住在住宅中。结果，孤儿的社会情感发展可能受到不利影响。本文探讨了护理人员对住宅中孤儿的社会情感调节的观点。采用定性方法，对来自三个孤儿院的11名男女护理人员进行了访谈。使用主题分析法对数据进行分析。结果表明，家庭中与护理无关的职责会干扰护理人员对儿童的反应。护理人员和儿童之间的关系是积极的；基于情感支持，倾听，响应和信任。但是，孤儿往往很难适应住所，表达情感，结交朋友。结果还表明，孤儿继续处理失去父母的事情，结果可能采取激进的行动。建议包括改善获得社会心理支持的机会，减轻护理人员的工作量，以使他们能够有效地帮助孤儿应对社会情感挑战。本文从护理人员照料孤儿的角度说明了孤儿的社会情感调节的关键见解。