The Influence of General Characteristics, Temperament, and Attachment on the Development of Young Children in Institutional Care

Abstract

Objective: This study examined that general characteristics such as gender, age, period of stay at an institution, size of facility, and temperament and attachment affect young children's development under institutional care. Methods: A total of 94 young children (ages 2-4years), who live in 32 institutions in Seoul were assessed on their development using the Korean-Age & Stage Questionnaire. Pearson product-moment correlation analysis, and multiple regression analyses were used for data analysis. Results: The major findings of this study were as follows: first, a longer period of stay at an institution had more positive effects on the development of communication. Facilities with more than 60 children had lower communication, gross motor, and fine motor development compared to facilities with less than 60 children. Second, social temperament had positive effects on communication, problem solving, and personal-social development. Emotional temperament had no effects on all development areas. Third, attachment had positive effects on all development areas. Lastly, social temperament and attachment had interactive effects on communication, gross motor, problem solving, and personal-social development. Conclusion: These results imply that caretakers in institutions should give developmental mediation services for considering temperament and facilitation of attachment. Keywords: temperament, attachment, development, young children, institutional care