Study on emotional and behavioural problems among adolescent children in selected orphanages at mangalore

Any amount of orphanage experience is harmful; the damage is greatest during the first years of life and increases dramatically with length of stay in an institution. The ability to develop and maintain interpersonal relationships during childhood and adolescence is an important predictor of present and future adjustment. So, the study was done to identify the psychological well being of orphan adolescents. The study was conducted among 40 adolescent children in 12–17 years of age selected from 2 orphanages in Mangalore. The study identified 7.5% at risk for hyperactivity disorder; 37.5% at risk for peer problems and 12.5% with severe peer problem. Regarding prosocial behaviour 22.5% were at risk while 5% had abnormal prosocial behaviour. No child was found to have conduct problems. It can be concluded that there is a need for Cultivating Positive Emotions to Optimize Health and Well-Being.