Estimates suggest a significant number of adolescents, around one million annually, transition out of institutionalized care in India. Despite this large number, there’s a noticeable gap in understanding what happens to these young individuals after they leave care, particularly within the context of after care programs in India. This lack of knowledge highlights the urgent need to explore and comprehend their experiences post-transition.
This article delves into the subjective experiences of adolescent girls who have recently transitioned from institutionalized care to after care facilities in Delhi, India. By employing a qualitative research approach, specifically Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, this study aimed to answer a critical question: What are the psychosocial experiences of adolescent girls, aged 18-19, in the initial months (1-6 months) after moving from institutionalized care to an after care program in Delhi?
Study Overview and Methodology
To gain deeper insights, researchers utilized purposive sampling to recruit ten girls who had recently (within 1-6 months) entered an after care facility. Each participant engaged in an open-ended, semi-structured interview, with the option for two additional unstructured interviews to further explore their experiences. In total, twenty interviews were conducted, providing a rich dataset for analysis.
The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed into English, and then analyzed using inductive, line-by-line coding. This rigorous analysis revealed five major themes that encapsulate the psychosocial experiences of these young women.
Key Themes in the Experiences of Adolescent Girls in After Care
The study identified five significant themes that emerged from the girls’ narratives:
Developing a Sense of Self
This theme highlights the ongoing journey of self-discovery and identity formation as these young women navigate their new environment and life outside of institutionalized care. The after care program setting provides a different context for them to understand who they are and who they want to become.
Seeking, Avoiding, and Managing Intimacy
Relationships and intimacy are complex aspects of human experience, and for these girls, managing intimacy takes on unique dimensions. This theme explores how they navigate relationships, desires for connection, and potential challenges in forming and maintaining intimate bonds in their post-institutional care lives.
Striving to Accomplish One’s Goals
Despite past experiences and transitions, these young women demonstrate a strong drive to achieve their aspirations. This theme focuses on their goals, ambitions, and the efforts they are making to build their futures and create meaningful lives for themselves within the framework of the after care program.
Grappling with Independence: Feeling Untethered, Learning to be Self-Reliant
Moving from institutionalized care to an after care program brings a new level of independence, which can be both liberating and challenging. This theme explores the girls’ experiences with newfound independence, including feelings of being untethered, and the crucial process of learning self-reliance and navigating life with greater autonomy.
Psychological Distress: Experiences and Treatment
The transition and past experiences can contribute to psychological distress. This theme addresses the emotional and mental health challenges these girls face and their experiences with seeking and receiving treatment and support within the after care program setting.
Discussion and Implications
The findings of this study are crucial for understanding the lived realities of adolescent girls in after care programs in India. When viewed through the lens of existing research and considering the specific socio-cultural context, these experiences offer valuable insights. Furthermore, considering these experiences alongside those of non-institutionalized adolescent girls in urban India provides a comparative perspective.
The study’s interpretation also benefits from established psychological theories, particularly Attachment Theory and Relational-Cultural Theory. The significance of interpersonal relationships across all themes underscores the relational worldview of these girls. Relational-Cultural Theory further enriches the understanding of their ongoing experiences by emphasizing the importance of relationships in their development and well-being.
This research carries significant implications for future studies, social work practices, and policy development related to after care programs in India. By highlighting the specific psychosocial needs and experiences of adolescent girls transitioning from institutional care, this study advocates for more tailored and supportive interventions to ensure their successful transition and well-being. Further research can build upon these findings to explore the long-term outcomes and effectiveness of after care programs, ultimately contributing to improved support systems for vulnerable young people in India.
