Anxiety, Depression, Stress, and Decision-Making Among Orphans and Non-Orphans in Pakistan
Abstract
Purpose Orphanhood is a time which involves many psychological and emotional problems. Lack of self-determination and inability to take decision puts orphans at risk of anxiety. In Pakistan, there is minimal evidence which explores the relationship between anxiety, depression, stress, and decision-making among orphans. The aim of the study is to explore the relationship between anxiety, depression, stress, and decision-making among orphans and non-orphans adolescents. Methods The sample size consisted of 150 orphans and 150 non-orphans adolescents (n=300). The data were collected from different orphanages and schools located in the city of Lahore, Pakistan. The instruments used were Depression, Anxiety & Stress Scales (DASS) and the Adolescent Decision Making Questionnaire (ADMQ). Descriptive statistics was used to determine the mean, standard deviations, and range. Pearson product moment was used to determine the correlation. The independent t test was performed to determine gender differences, and simple regression analysis was used to predict the effect of social interaction anxiety. Results The correlation matrix for decision making, stress, anxiety, depression and DASS indicated that decision making has significant correlation with stress (r= 0.30, **p<0.01), anxiety (r=0.27**, p<0.01) and depression (r= 0.15*, p<0.05). Independent t test revealed significant gender differences between orphan and non-orphans (M=9.45, SD=5.06) (M=8.03, SD=3.61) t(217)=2.48 p=0.01 <0.05. Simple regression analysis indicated that anxiety is a significant predictor of decision making β = 0.276, F=17.90, p<0.001. Conclusion The study has implications. First, there is a need to raise awareness at governmental and non-governmental institutions towards finding therapeutic programs for orphans. Second, screening for depression and mental and psychological care should be integrated into routine health care provided to orphans. Third, there should be furnishing of life skills training for orphans such as stress management, coping skills, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Categories: Psychology Health Care
Other articles
Moving towards inclusive education policies and practices? Basic education for AIDS orphans and other vulnerable children in Zambia
The global spread of HIV and AIDS has presented a major threat to development, affecting the health of the poor and many…
Read moreEnhancing Psychosocial Support through Positive Youth Development: Narratives from Orphans in Zimbabwe
Due to the AIDS pandemic more and more youths are losing their parents. They are usually left with caregivers and in Zimbabwe…
Read morePrevalence and Care Practices of Epileptic Seizure among Children in Orphan and Vulnerable Children Homes in Abeokuta, Nigeria
This study focused on care and prevalence of epileptic seizure among children in orphans and vulnerable children homes in…
Read moreThe African Orphan Crisis and International Adoption
The plight of Africa's AIDS orphans has reached crisis proportions, and the international community is beginning to mobilize…
Read more