Improving psychosocial well-being of child laborers and young people who are engaged in low-income economic activities in Istanbul, Turkey

ABSTRACT

Child laborers are typically subjected to multiple and chronic traumatic experiences. With no parents or caregivers to act as a buffer zone against stressors, they grow up in chaotic and unpredictable work environments. Child laborers are more at risk of developing a range of psychological, emotional, and behavioral problems. The authors established an 8-month psychosocial support program for child laborers and young people attending a vocational training center one day a week. The authors found that anxiety and depression moderately correlated with negative self-concept, somatization, and hostility. Toward the end of the 8-month program, participants reported improved psychological and emotional well-being. The provision of a safe and mediated psychosocial program enhanced the emotional and mental well-being of vulnerable children and young people.

KEYWORDS:

• attachment
• child labor
• sociocultural perspective
• trauma

Acknowledgements

The Maltepe University Research and Application Center for Children Living and/or Working on Streets developed the program in conjunction with the Sultanbeyli district governor. The authors thank the Istanbul Development Agency and all of the students of the University of Maltepe for their input and willingness to support vulnerable children and young people. Last but not least, many thanks go to the children and young people who voluntarily participated in the program.

Funding

The implementation of the program would have not been possible without the funding provided by the Istanbul Development Agency.