A rede de apoio social e afetivo de adolescentes Institucionalizados no Sul do Brasil

Abstract

The goal of this study was to examine the perception of social and emotional support network in institutionalized adolescents, considering the changes on relationships caused by the situation of institutionalization. The participants were 35 adolescents of both sexes, with age from 11 to 16 years. Five Field Map, which allows evaluating structure and function of the support network, and semi-structured interviews were used. The results indicate that the principal source of support was represented by adults, mainly relatives and shelter’s employees, and the principal type of percepted support was instrumental. Sex differences on the perception of support network also were observed: girls reported more contacts than boys. Therefore, the importance of the family and the shelter as suppliers of support to these adolescents and the need of public policies of care for this population are discussed.