Psychological growth and emotional strain: A phenomenological study of orphaned adolescents in Ghana’s care homes

Abstract

Residential care in Ghana presents both opportunities and challenges for orphans, with evidence indicating dual impacts on their well-being. Adolescence, a pivotal stage for emotional and psychological stability, may be significantly influenced by the residential care environment, shaping long-term mental health outcomes for residents. Hence, this study employed an interpretive phenomenological design that offers insights into participants’ perspectives of the meanings made from experiences in care settings. Through in-depth individual interviews, 30 adolescents aged 13 to 19 years were purposively selected. The data were analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis. Two themes emerged: psychologically stimulating and emotionally depriving experiences. These contrasting themes underscore the subjective interpretations orphans assign to their experiences. This indicates that despite access to growth-enhancing opportunities in care homes, emotional challenges persist. These findings have implications for the mental health and well-being of adolescent orphans. Creating awareness of these impacts among stakeholders in residential care is essential.