PSYCHO-SOCIAL PREDICTORS OF MENTAL HEALTH AMONG ORPHANS IN SOUTHWEST NIGERIA: EFFICACY OF PSYCHO-EDUCATION INTERVENTION

📄 Project Abstract

Orphanhood is a global phenomenon. Over the years, due to the HIV/AIDS pandemic and the upsurge of killings, terrorism, accidents, and other disasters, there has been a steady increase in the orphan population across the globe, particularly in Africa. These crises have negatively impacted the lives of many orphans as they are faced with multifaceted challenges that leave them helpless, distraught, and distressed. This study was done in two phases: Phase I and Phase II. Phase I of the study set out to examine the psychosocial variables that predict the mental health of orphans in Southwest, Nigeria. The variables examined are self-concept, self-esteem, social support, life satisfaction, age, gender, and child abuse. Phase II of the study examined the efficacy of a psycho-educational programme in improving the mental health of orphans. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted to collect data in phase I. A sample of two hundred orphans, between ages 13 and 18 years, was selected from o...