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.



Farah Shafiq Sonia Ijaz Haider Shamaila Ijaz | source: Psychology Research and Behavior Management 225 |
Categories: Psychology Health Care


Other articles

Family-based care and psychological problems of AIDS orphans: Does it matter who was the care-giver?

The purpose of this study is to compare psychological symptoms among double AIDS orphans (i.e. children who lost both of…

Read more

“Dancing to the Tune of the Donor”: Donor Funding and Local Implementation of Initiatives to Assist Orphans and Other Vulnerable Children in Uganda, 1986 – 2011

This study is an inquiry into the exercise of power in the mainstream development apparatus, drawing from the case example…

Read more

Oral health status in relation to nutritional status among institutionalized and non-institutionalized orphans in Baghdad city

Background: Nutritional condition was reported as one of the factors affecting the oral health status, particularly among…

Read more

Factors affecting the psychosocial well-being of orphan and separated children in five low- and middle-income countries: Which is more important, quality of care or care setting?

As millions of children continue to live without parental care in under-resourced societies in low- and middle-income countries…

Read more