Children and Minors in Institutional Care: Research of Self-Regulation

Abstract

Abstract The paper deals with self-regulation in children and minors living in so-called “total institutions”. It aims at a scientific study of the determinants and conditions of the process of developing self-regulation. The research is based on the assumption that the organisations originally established by the society to correct risk behaviour in children and minors now rather contribute to the preservation and reproduction of such behaviour. A scientific research in the process of self-regulation in institutionalised children and young people will answer the question of the meaning and purpose of such institutional care which is historically rooted and preferred in the Czech Republic, rather than supporting rehabilitation of families in their natural social environment. The aim of the paper is to present research approaches to study of process of self-regulation in children and minors (aged 11+) living in institutionalised environment. Self-regulation can be considered as one of the fundamental human abilities. It is based on conscious control of volitionary behaviour focused on achieving goals with a desired change in behaviour as one of the possible goals. The degree of self-regulation is significantly affected by the social environment we live in. The researcher used qualitative methods of focus groups and interviews to develop culture and social fair quantitative instrument - Self-regulation Questionnaire in Children and Minors (SRQ-CM).