Abstracts Psychology

Understanding Attachment and Perceptions of Orphan Caregivers in Institutional Care in Kenya

by Leanne R Miller

This concurrent nested mixed methods study assessed institutional caregivers’ perception on their role as caregivers and caregivers’ attachment orientation in Kenya. Additionally, the study looked for a connection between attachment and perception. Participants were 15 female caregivers, 8 from a government institution and 7 from a nongovernment institution. Data from a semi-structured interview indicated that caregivers, regardless of attachment, were emotionally invested in the children’s wellbeing, felt a sense of duty, and stated their job was challenging but rewarding. ECR-R assessed attachment and found that attachment varied slightly between institutions. The most significant difference was between institutions with 4 secure caregivers in the nongovernment institution and only 1 secure caregiver in the government institution. A slight relationship between attachment and perception was found as all secure caregivers indicated they believed both physical and emotional needs of children were essential. Results indicate additional cultural studies on attachment and perception are warranted.