Psychology and scientific research do not seem to offer satisfactory answers to many issues regarding the development of street children. Some studies argued that living on the streets is harmful or, at least, that it slows down psychological development because of the exposure of the children to addictions, violence, and exploitation. Other studies have shown that the street allows for accumulative experiences which promote a healthy development. These paradoxical findings point to the need to carry out more research in this area. Researchers at CEP-RUA/UFRGS are conducting systematic research on the emotional, cognitive and social development of street children. Our findings indicate that street children present high levels of stress and of exposure to personal and social risk. However, we have also found out that they develop skills to cope with the risk and the stress. They overcome the hazards of life on the streets using strategies that require competence and autonomy, especially strategies for establishing affective, economic and social groups through which they manage to be safer and to survive. Children in our samples did not present levels of depression or trauma higher than those of low SES children. They do not differ significantly from other groups when tested for subjective well being. Studies about life events and emotions revealed surprising stories about their life and sensitivity. Nevertheless, alternatives to a nurturing home that fosters a healthy development must be found. The street, even if it does not cause great psychological harm, is not a healthy place for human beings to live.
Street Children; Children at Risk; Development
