Graduate Program
School Psychology
Degree Name
Specialist in School Psychology
Semester of Degree Completion
1991
Thesis Director
Judy Oehler-Stinnett
Abstract
The term "self-care child'' refers to a young child who returns from school and remains at home unsupervised for an indefinite period until the parents arrive from work, or one who is alone before school in the mornings. In this paper, the emotional functioning, social functioning, and academic performance of self-care children were compared to adult-supervised children. Also, programs designed for self-care children were examined.
When examining the current literature on the self-care child regarding loneliness, anxiety and behavior problems, susceptibility to peer pressure, sexuality, social functioning, and academic performance, no significant differences were found between self-care and adult-supervised children. Much of the current literature, however, lacks consistency in quality. Empirical studies, with proven measures, need to be conducted before any definite conclusions are made about self-care children.
Recommended Citation
Perry, Stephanie L., "A Review of the Literature on Self-Care Children: A Need for Empirical Studies" (1991). Masters Theses. 2252.
https://thekeep.eiu.edu/theses/2252
