The effect of institutionalization on psychomotor development of preschool aged children

Development can be altered by several factors which can either facilitate or obstruct development. The aim of the current study was the examination and the detection of differences in the developmental profiles of preschool aged children living in conventional institution facilities (N = 28), in SOS villages (N = 20) and in natural family environment (N = 48). The psychomotor development of the 96 children, aged 4–6 years old, was assessed using the six scales of the Griffiths Test No II. Two-way analysis of variance designs showed that family reared children had better performance in all scales of the Griffiths test compared with children of the other two groups and that children living in a SOS village had better scores on all domains of development examined compared to children living in a conventional institution (p < .05). The findings reinforce the need to transform institution environments into more supportive ones for the most benefit of children's development and mental health.

► There are differences in the developmental outcomes among children reared in two different types of institutional care and children reared in typical families.
► Children living in SOS villages demonstrated a better developmental status compared to institution raised children.
► SOS villages can be recommended as a role model for the care of orphaned or abandoned children.
► The major developmental differences observed in all sub-scales in favor of the family group point out that institution environment do not support children's optimal development.