Orphan discipline and child neglect: An analysis from 48 countries

Background: Orphans comprise a sizable sub-population of all children, and their status as orphans exposes them to many risk factors. Orphan exposure to violent discipline is poorly understood, as research on parents' disciplinary practices largely focuses on biological families. The little research that exists has found that orphans are at reduced risk of harsh discipline but fails to explain why. Objective: To assess, from a global perspective, orphans' odds of experiencing physical, psychologically aggressive, and nonviolent discipline, compared to non-orphans, and to investigate why discipline of orphans differs from other children. Participants and settings: This study uses 56 UNICEF Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey samples from 48 countries to assess the disciplinary experiences of 5- to 14-year-old children. Separate analyses on a subset of single and double orphans identify their risk factors for violent discipline. Methods: Multilevel logistic regressions were used to estimate odds of experiencing each type of discipline in the last thirty days. Results: All categories of orphans (maternal, paternal, and double) are at reduced odds of experiencing any form of discipline relative to non-orphans. In the case of physical discipline, this disparity appears to be due to caregiver neglect rather than sensitivity toward orphans. Conclusions: Orphan caregivers should be given strategies and support to reduce their stress and alleviate their risk of becoming neglectful of their charges, alongside family education about healthy disciplinary practices.