American study in Romania: Children in orphanages displayed slowed mind and body development

Children in orphanages go through a slower growth and development process, researchers at Minnesota University have concluded after conducting a study which included six orphanages from Romania. First results indicate that the orphanages have a great impact on children not only from the psychological perspective, but it can also physically harm them, Minnesota Daily notes.

The study’s conclusions validate the US policy, which has financed foster care programmes since the ’70s instead of building orphanages. The study indicates that the affection a child gets straight from another person impacts not only the child’s appetite, but it can also „but can also curb the way the brain’s pituitary gland and liver secrete growth hormone”.

University professor Dana E. Johnson, who led the study conducted in Romania, showed that the children in orphanages displayed a slowed growth and development. The children included in foster care programmes saw quick height and weight growth. In 12 months, 100% were matching standard height norms, 90% matched normal weight norms and 94% fit the weight and height of a healthy child.

Because of the budget and time pressures, most orphanages cannot provide the children with sufficient care and attention. The study indicates that more states should follow the US individual system, Dana E. Johnson claims. Despite researchers’ conclusions, orphanages remain important institutions in East Europe, Asia and South America, Minnesota Daily notes.