Abstract

The aim of this study was to carry out a research on societal belief about children with Emotional and behavioural disorder in Bamenda II sub division. The objectives were to examine the societal beliefs about children with emotional and behavioural disorder and also to look at those factors responsible for this societal belief and to also investigate how this societal belief affect children with emotional and behavioural disorder in Bamenda II sub division. The data collected from primary source and secondary sources through questionnaires which will be completed by people of Bamenda II sub division, data will also be gotten from text-books, newspapers.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

This chapter presents a general introductory overview of the research topic that is “Societal belief about children with emotional and behavioural disordered”. The issues discussed in this chapter are: – The background of the study, statement of the problem, purpose of the study, objectives of the study, research questions, significance of the study, scope or limitation of the study and definition of terms.

1.1 Background of the Study

Emotional and behavioural disorders, anxiety, Bipolar, conduct, eating, obsessive – compulsive and psychotic disorders (a term considered derogatory by many in the emotional and behavioural disorder community) is a partial or total inability to build or maintain satisfactory interpersonal relationships with peers and teachers. It is also a general pervasive mood of unhappiness or depression. In children it may affects the development of personal skill and children have short attention span, it will affect their personal skill development since they learn more by listening and paying attention or coping what adult say but in this case it is difficult for these children with emotional and behavioural disorders.

Generally, children with emotional behavioural disorder do not necessarily have learning disabilities. However, they exhibit distorted thinking, excessive anxiety and abnormal mood swings.

More so, some children without emotional and behavioural disorder may display some of these behaviours at various points in their development.

However, when children have serious emotional disturbances, problematic thinking and behavior continues over a long period of time, their behavior signals that they are not coping with their environment or peers indeed a child with a severe psychological disturbance will have great difficulty acting or interacting effectively.

Children and especially adolescents with conduct disorders as members of the society such children can present a real challenge to peers and parents who often feel frustrated and angered by their noncompliance and disregard for others. The support of the community counsellor is helpful.

Some children develop a negative or maladaptive pattern of behavior and interaction that becomes deeply entrenched and seems to be part of their personality.

Anxiety disturbance is one of the must common medical condition presenting in the emotional disturbance community as a condition and not an illness. Treatment such as placement of the children in a re-habitation Centre has really helped.

A child who uses socialization as the fastest means to improve on his communication ability may have difficulties. When it comes to improvement in communication skill since they now live in isolation and are moody.

The socialization of children with emotional and behavior disorder may be affected in different ways.

Children who have been emotionally and behaviourally disturbed in early childhood are very different to children who have been emotional disturbed in life in terms of socialization disadvantages.

For example, their range of interaction may be limited which in turn may affect their talking ability.

Therefore, this study is to examine the society belief about children with emotional and behavioral disorders. In the society and how these beliefs affect them socially and what can be done so as to dement the situation.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The researcher has experienced all sort of marginalization, discrimination and stigmatization involving persons with disabilities especially those with emotional and behavioural disorder where little or no help is given to them.

The rate of unemployment is high among children with emotional and behavioural disorder since they are been regarded as abnormal beings who do not have any ability to do something positively in some localities (Weiser, 2014).

Children with emotional and behavioural disorder are not considered vital by many in the society. For instance, when it comes to activities in the society they are not included because the people in the society see them as troublesome children who cannot do anything right. In situation where they are included, they will not leave unless they create a scene and this usually made many to see them as people who do not have the ability to build or maintain a satisfactory interpersonal relationship with peers and their friends. It is for this reason that the researcher took upon herself to find out the factors responsible for these societal beliefs about children with emotional and behavioural disorder.

1.3 General Objectives of the Study

The purpose of this study is to investigate how societal beliefs affect children with emotional and behavioral disorders in Bamenda II Sub-Division.

1.3.1 Specific Objectives.

1. To identify the effect of curses from gods on children with emotional and behavioral disorders.
2. To identify factors that influences societal belief about children with emotional and behavioral disorders.
3. To identify how demonic possession as a religious belief affect children with emotional and behavioral disorders.
4. To examine the effect of witchcraft as a belief on children with emotional and behavioral disorders.