Impact of Demographic Factors on Psychosocial Competence of Orphan Children

Abstract

Psychosocial competence is essential for the potential development of every child. Research reveals that demographic factors do have differential impact on various psychological aspects but studies focusing on psychosocial competence of orphan children are nil almost. Hence, the present study focuses on investigating the significant impact of demographic factors on psychosocial competence of orphan children. To achieve this objective, Psychosocial Competence Scale (Ajitha. D and Vijayalaxmi A Aminabhavi, 2007) was administered on 150 orphan children aged 10-15 years residing in orphanages. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that the demographic factors such as orphan status, access to media, physical health status, participation in extra-curricular activities, gender, domicile, stay duration in orphanage, academic performance, age and languages known have differential impact on various life skills and overall psychosocial competence of orphan children. The results imply the necessity of life skills intervention to orphan children to enhance their psychosocial competence in the background of demographic factors.