Psychosocial Profile of Adolescents Living in Orphanages and Adolescents Living with Biological Parents

Abstract

Orphans living on their own or living in institutions go through many psychological problems like stress, anxiety, sadness, depression, poor interpersonal relations, etc. This study aimed to compare the psychosocial profile of adolescents living in orphanages and adolescents living with their biological parents. The participants of the study were divided into two groups, adolescents living in orphanages and adolescents living with parents (50 participants each). The age range of participants was between 12-17 years. Sociodemographic data sheet, Adolescent Self-Esteem Questionnaire, Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, Balanced Emotional Empathy Scale, Acceptance and Action Questionnaire, Emotion Regulation Questionnaire and EPOCH Measure of Adolescent Wellbeing tools were employed. The results revealed significant differences in self-esteem, psychological flexibility, psychological adjustment, emotion regulation and well-being between adolescents living in orphanages (Group 1) and adolescents living with their biological parents (Group 2). Group 1 more often tried to conceal their emotions and avoid expressing their feelings. The well-being experienced by them was lower than Group 2. Also, a positive correlation was found between well-being and self-esteem, emotional empathy, psychological flexibility, psychological adjustment and emotion regulation. For Group 2, well-being shared a positive correlation with self-esteem, psychological flexibility, psychological adjustment and emotion regulation. On correlation analysis, both groups showed differences only in emotional empathy. It was also noticed that a longer duration of stay in an orphanage related to better well-being. Simple linear regression suggested that length of stay at the orphanage (number of years spent in orphanage), self-esteem, emotional empathy and cognitive reappraisal of emotion regulation are the strongest predictors of well-being experienced by Group 2 participants. Conclusively, more attention should be paid to bring about solutions to increase the well-being of adolescents living in orphanages with help of mental health professionals who can help them directly as well as indirectly through people living around them.