The present study looks at the socio-emotional impact of malnutrition. This is done by comparing infants who are hospitalised for malnutrition, and infants hospitalised for surgical reasons. Twenty infants were selected from the medical ward (malnutrition ward), and twenty from the surgical ward were selected as a control group. Observation was used as a method of collecting data on socio-emotional behaviour. The results of analysis of variance indicated that there was a significant difference between the two groups of children in social and emotional responsiveness. Malnourished children showed less responsiveness, which was suggested by less activity, less affect, and low reactions to situations compared to the control group. The results also indicated that females are more sensitive than males. The results of this study invite possibilities for further investigations. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1998.