Social Cognition in Looked after Children

Abstract

Looked after children (LAC) are a group who are consistently identified to be at risk of psychopathology and poor social outcomes.  The majority of LAC enter the care system having being exposed to multiple and chronic adversities. Studies of institutionalised children have shown specific social impairments to be a consequence of a lack of individualised care. These impairments are referred to as Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD).  Interpersonal relationship functioning has been identified as a consistent correlate of both risk for poor outcome and resilience.

This study tested the hypothesis that adolescent LAC would show evidence of RAD behaviour as well as deficits and biases in the processes which facilitate successful relationship functioning: social cognition. 

Two social cognitive processes - Social Information Processing and Theory of Mind were assessed in a sample of LAC and low risk adolescents recruited from high schools in Greater Manchester who were matched for demographic variables. Psychopathology, social relationship functioning, global functioning and RAD behaviour were also assessed by way of comparison with the control sample and the use of standardised instruments.

Duration of the project

2006-2010

Funding bodies

Youth Justice Board

Medical Research Council

University of Manchester