Social adjustment of Kenyan orphaned grandchildren, perceived caregiving stresses and discipline strategies used by their fostering grandmothers

Abstract

The aim of the thesis was to examine whether experienced stress, adjustment of orphans and discipline strategies used by 328 grandmothers were linked to disruptions in life courses that occurs when children are orphaned and elderly caregivers are required to assume extensive parenting roles. For comparative purposes, 113 partially responsible grandmothers and 115 biological mothers were also included in the sample. Study I examined factors contributing to elevated levels of experienced stress by 128 full-time and 113 partially responsible grandmothers. The total stress experienced was investigated using Parenting Stress Index- Short form. Study II investigated the discipline strategies used by 128 full-time and 113 partially responsible grandmothers through self-reported Parent Discipline Interview. The study also determined whether significant levels of experienced stress increased full- time caregiving grandmothers’ propensity to employ easily instituted power assertive discipline strategies. Study III compared stress experienced by 136 caregiving grandmothers and 115 biological mothers. The adjustment levels of orphans raised by grandmothers and children living with their own biological parents were also assessed. The main aim of this study was to examine the links between experienced stress and child adjustment difficulties. Child adjustment was assessed using caregiver and teacher rated Strengths and Difficulty Questionnaire. Study IV compared the adjustment levels and composite risk factors that 128 orphaned and 113 non-orphaned children were exposed to. The degree of each child’s exposure to risk factors was …