The Emotional experiences of children living in orphanages in Ghana

Abstract

Purpose – This study aims to explore the emotional experiences of children in selected orphanages. Design/methodology/approach – The study was executed in three orphanages in Accra, Tema and Aburi through the use of semi-structured interviews and observations. Findings – In total, 15 respondents reported some emotional experiences such as loneliness, entrapment, deprivation, rejection and helplessness. Originality/value – The number of children living in orphanages has increased in recent times. Previous studies have examined psychological risk and protective factors among children orphaned as a result of HIV/AIDS and also compared orphan children to non-orphans. Notwithstanding this, little is known about the emotional experiences of children living in orphanages inGhana. Keywords Orphanages, Orphans, Vulnerable children, Emotional experiences, Children, Orphanages, Children in orphanages, Emotional experiences