Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between behavioural disorders and social cognition among orphans in Saudi Arabia by adopting a phenomenological qualitative approach. To achieve this aim, 50 subjects were selected to participate in this study through a purposive sampling. The participants were subjected to a semi-structured interview session which lasted from 45 minutes to an hour. After data has been gathered, Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to analyse data into themes which were categorized into three: Symptoms of Behavioural Disorders, Social Cognitions, and Factors. The results of the study showed that emotional and behavioural disorders that orphans face in Saudi Arabia were manifested by symptoms of disorders such as Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, and Social Phobia. Factors that tend to have a significant effect on behavioural problems among orphans consisted of traumatic events, events prior to admittance in the orphanage such as physical abuse, and the overall physical environment of the orphanage, which can be at risk of being conducive for bullying and fighting among orphans. Furthermore, there might be a relationship between behavioural disorders and social cognition among orphans in Saudi Arabia.

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