Jacob Zigo, Sor Trondelag University College

THE ATTACHMENT OF TEENAGE ORPHANS MINORITIES TOTHEIR CAREGIVERS IN NORWAY

ASSISTANT PROFESSORJACOB ZIGO

SØR-TRONDELAG UNIVERSITY COLLEGE

PRESENTATION

PARTICIPANTS RESEARCH METHOD ATTACHMENT THEORY FINDINGS REFLECTIONS

Jacob zigo, Sør -Trondelag University College

PARTICIPANTS

• Four orphans unaccompanied single minors, all boys from West Africa and Asia. Ages between 15 - 18 years

• Voluntary participation

• Unaccompanied single minors as defined by the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration are children and young people under 18 years of age who arrive in Norway to seek asylum unaccompanied by parents or other persons who have parental responsibility for them (www.udi.no).

Jacob Zigo, Sør -Trondelag University College

RESEARCH METHOD

Qualitative research /indept interviews

Permission from (Norwegian Social Science Data Service)

Jacob Zigo, Sør -Trondelag University College

ATTACHMENT THEORY

A biological based bond with caregiver (Bowlby 1969).Through the early attachment experiences, the child develops an internal working model of relationship that influences the child future relationships (Alexander,1992; Crittenden & Ainsworth 1989)

Attachment theory focused on the processes whereby infants and young children develop confidence in their parent`s protection (Goldberg, 2000)

 

Jacob Zigo, Sør -Trondelag University College

FINDINGS

Three of the orphans unaccompanied single minors had good relationship to their caregivers but did not consider them as their parents except one of them.

All of them acknowledged the help they got from their caregivers.

All of them said they felt good, having caregivers, but were afraid to create strong attachment to them in fear of future uncertainties and seperations.

One of the boys had strong attachment to his aunt ”mum” because she took parental responsibilities when he was two years old.

Jacob Zigo, Sør -Trondelag University College

REFLECTIONS

Could the attachment of these orphans to their caregivers be

more stronger if they were living in foster homes?

What can we learn from this study which can be of relevance in practising social work?

Jacob Zigo, Sør -Trondelag University College