Analysis of environmental deprivation: cognitive and social development in Romanian orphans

Abstract

The cognitive and social developmental status of a representative group of Romanian orphans between the ages of 23 and 50 months living in the Leagan de Copii in Timisoara, Romania was assessed using a variety of traditional and nontraditional measures. Results indicated that the orphanage sample all exhibited deficits in cognitive and social functioning; the majority were severely delayed. Correlations between the traditional and nontraditional measures indicated that children's delays occurred across domains. Deficits were not related to length of time in the orphanage, age at entrance, Apgar scores, or birthweight. The children's greatest capability was in peer social interaction.