Contextual influences on child social and emotional adjustment in Kibera

Abstract

Scope and Method of Study: This study examines child, family and community variables that are associated with child adjustment in the especially low resource setting of the Kibera slum. Quantitative and qualitative data was gathered through caregiver interviews and teacher reports on surveys regarding child adjustment and the context within which the children live.

Findings and Conclusions: Eighty-six children between the ages of 2 and 8 and their primary caregivers participated in the study. Qualitative findings indicate that caregivers are concerned with the same issues as governments and service organizations; poverty, poor health, and delinquency. Caregivers also indicate some advantages associated with the inexpensive nature of goods and the ethnic diversity of the area. Quantitative findings indicate that child variables are associated with child adjustment. Child emotional flexibility is associated with child behavior. Ego resiliency predicted high levels of prosocial behavior and low levels of internalizing behavior. Effortful control predicted high levels of externalizing behavior. Child emotional flexibility should continue to be considered in future research on child adjustment in adverse environments. No significant relationships were found between family and community variables and child adjustment. The paper discusses possible reasons for the findings and presents some recommendations for further research.