Perfil Cognitivo de Crianças Institucionalizadas: Um Estudo Longitudinal

Abstract

This research investigated the cognitive profile of institutionalized children based on the analysis of the personal characteristics and contexts involved in this process, in a longitudinal way, between December 2017 and December 2018. In order to respond to this objective, psychological tests were applied to 15 institutionalized children, in addition to consulting their institutional records, applying research inventories, contacting professionals from the reception services and with the guardians of children, as well as records in field diary. These procedures were done in three collection moments, with an interval of six months between each of them. During this period, eleven children were directed to family groups, while four of them remained in the institutional care services. To perform the analysis of the data obtained, the sample was divided into two groups, based on the location where the children were at the time of the third collection. The main results showed that institutionalized children throughout the study had lower intellectual scores and worsened deficits in cognitive functions associated with intelligence. The children in families presented different cognitive profiles, which were the result of the interaction of the individual attributes of each participant with the characteristics of the family developmental context. Among the conclusions reached, it was found that the variations in children's cognitive profile were related to their personal and contextual characteristics, and developmental trajectories were observed that pointed in different directions. Therefore, it can be stated that not only the persistence of cognitive deficits / impairments is related to the personal and contextual characteristics of children, but also their overcoming. It is recommended to reduce these damages that family life includes adults available for joint activities, providing personalized care and have strong emotional attachment. Regarding the institutional reception services, it is indicated the accomplishment of activities with the welcome ones that can affect the increase of its cognitive functions. Regarding the limitations of the study, it is worth noting the small number of participants, which prevented the accomplishment of statistical analyzes of the quantitative findings from the application of the tests and the absence of data collection with reference persons of the participants before institutionalization. As suggestions for future studies, it is recommended to carry out other longitudinal studies of cognitive evaluation with institutionalized children, with a view to structuring a knowledge framework of this area in the Brazilian context. It is also indicated to deepen the understanding of the cognitive profile of institutionalized children who present psychopathological intercurrences, to analyze the repercussions of these pathologies and the use of psychotropic medications in children's cognition.