Psychosocial deficits underpinning child headed households (CHHs) in Mabvuku and Tafara suburbs of Harare, Zimbabwe

• Published in: Children and youth services review 2020-08, Vol.115, p.105093, Article 105093
• Main Authors: Makuyana, A., Mbulayi, S.P., Kangethe, S.M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agricultural extension; Avoidance behavior; Bereavement; Case studies; Child abuse & neglect; Child socialization; Child welfare; Children; Counseling; Counseling services; Decision making; Discrimination; Grief; Grief counseling; Households; Moral regeneration; Psycho-social deficit; Psychosocial factors; Qualitative research; Realignment; Sex crimes; Sexual abuse; Sexual violence; Suburban areas; Teenage pregnancy; Transformation; Unplanned pregnancy; Welfare policy
• ISSN: 0190-7409; 1873-7765
• DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.105093

•Child headed households presents more negatives than benefits.•Headship of a child headed household is associated with vicarious bereavement.•Membership in a child headed household increase vulnerability to sexual violence.•Psychosocial deficits in child headed households manifests through negative coping. Debates around the psycho-social deficits experienced by children in child headed households are necessary for the transformation of child welfare policies, philosophies and practices in Zimbabwe and beyond. This qualitative study used a case study design to explore the manifestations of the core psycho-social deficits associated with children domiciled in child headed households. The study was conceptualised around the following research question: What are the manifestations of psychosocial deficits among children living in child headed households of Mabvuku and Tafara suburbs of Harare, Zimbabwe? A total sample of fourteen participants including twelve children and two key informants were interviewed using pre-designed interview schedules. Findings revealed that psychosocial deficits among children from child headed households manifested through poor personal grooming, indecision and avoidance of challenging situations by the children; sexual violence and unplanned teenage pregnancy; familial and societal neglect, discrimination and isolation and vicarious bereavement. The study recommended moral regeneration, refinement and realignment of child welfare policies and practices; and an extension of grief counselling services to children in child headed households.