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Time use in Russian Baby Homes.
L G Tirella1, W Chan, S A Cermak
1International Adoption Clinic, New England Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111, USA. ltirella@tufts-nemc.org
Child: Care, Health and Development
|January 4, 2008
Summary
Children in Russian Baby Homes spend most of their time alone, with limited opportunities for interactive play. Institutional care routines restrict child-directed activities and social interactions, impacting development.
Area of Science:
- Child Development
- Institutional Care Studies
- Pediatric Psychology
Background:
- Investigated time use patterns of children in Russian Baby Homes.
- Documented opportunities and experiences during institutional care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the daily time allocation of children in institutional settings.
- To identify factors influencing child engagement and interaction within Baby Homes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized time-use spot observation methodology with 138 children (1 month to 4 years).
- Trained Baby Home specialists to conduct observations every 10 minutes for 5 hours per child.
- Coded child's companion, adult role, activity, location, and vocalizations, gathering over 4000 data points.
Main Results:
- Children spent 50% of their time alone, 27% with a caregiver, and 15% with another adult.
- Meaningful play increased with age (infants 10% to pre-schoolers 36%), while non-purposeful activity decreased.
- Adult interaction with children was limited, with adults speaking to children in only 12% of observations.
Conclusions:
- Routinized schedules and care in Baby Homes limit child-directed and interactive play.
- Despite group living, children exhibit limited vocalizations and social interactions.
- Institutional care appears to restrict developmental opportunities for children.
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