The psychosocial effects of orphanhood on school going children in Kaharo Subcounty, Kabale District

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Date

2026-05-30

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Uganda Christian University

Abstract

The research analyzed how orphan status affected the mental and social development of children who attend school in Kaharo Subcounty, Kabale District. The study aimed to achieve three objectives which consisted of evaluating how orphanhood affects the emotional state of school-going children, assessing the social effects of orphanhood on school-going children and studying how orphanhood impacts academic behavior of school-going children in Kaharo Subcounty, Kabale District. The research team used a descriptive research design to gather information through interviews and questionnaires. The study on orphanhood among school-going children in Kaharo Subcounty, Kabale District found that orphaned children experience emotional challenges which cause them to feel angry and frustrated, which leads to long-lasting problems with their behavior, while fear and anxiety about school, finances, and safety also affect concentration and participation. The social effects of stigma lead to discrimination and bullying which decreases social engagement, while orphaned children find it difficult to build trusting relationships, which affects their ability to work together and communicate with others. Students face academic difficulties because stress factors along with unfulfilled needs, which lead to decreased student interest in studying, result in students failing to complete their work and developing disinterest in school. The study recommended that schools provide emotional support and counseling services which enable orphaned children to handle their negative feelings while developing coping techniques and resilience skills that support their long-term mental health.

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Undergraduate

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