Psychosocial Profile of Institutionalized Adolescents in Thanjavur District

Abstract

The absence of parental support, affection, attachment, poor mental health, depression, low self-efficacy, social adjustment, and low self-esteem play a significant role in developing risk-behaviour among adolescents. The aim of this study was to assess adjustment skills, self-efficacy beliefs, self-esteem, and how these parameters are related to the orphan adolescents mental health, which impacts their academic performance among adolescent orphans, in the age group of 12-18 years, living in the five orphanages in Thanjavur. Data were collected using census method from the 217 orphans living in the five orphanages, using a well-structured, close-ended questionnaire. Results showed below normal level of mental health condition, adjustment skills, low self-efficacy beliefs, low self-esteem, and poor academic performance. Almost half of the orphans in the orphanages were subjected to physical and/or verbal abuses. Adjustment skills were comparatively higher among orphan girls, those who were staying for a longer period. Fully orphans reported of having low self-efficacy beliefs. However, self-esteem level was similar among boys and girls but lower among the full orphan adolescents. Orphan adolescents with better adjustment skills and self-efficacy demonstrated higher mental health condition. Finally, mental health was positively and significantly associated with academic performance of the orphan adolescents. Since human behaviour is both learned and governed by the child s living environment, orphan children in the orphanages need to be trained in cultivating adjustment skills, life-skills, and self-esteem, and also they need persistent counselling, recreation, and academic support. Caregivers of the orphanages shoulder the burden of dealing with the unfortunate children, hence caregivers need to be trained and updated in various methods of taking care and dealing with these children.