A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON MENTAL HEALTH
OF STREET CHILDREN LIVING WITH THEIR
FAMILIES AND RUNWAYS FROM FAMILIES
OF STREET CHILDREN LIVING WITH THEIR
FAMILIES AND RUNWAYS FROM FAMILIES
ZAHIDA JABEEN AND AZRAAssistant Professor, Department of PG Studies and Research in Human Science,
J.B.A.S. College for Women, Chennai
M.Sc.Student Department of PG Studies and Research in Human Science,
J.B.A.S. College for Women, Chennai
J.B.A.S. College for Women, Chennai
M.Sc.Student Department of PG Studies and Research in Human Science,
J.B.A.S. College for Women, Chennai
Abstract:
The objective of the study is to find out the mental health of street children living
with their families and runways from families with reference to age and gender. In the
present investigation, 120 street children were selected. Sixty subjects belonged to the
age group of 7-11 years and 60 from 11 to 15 years of age group. Of which equal number
of 30 were males and females in each of the age group. Equal number of 15 in each
gender category belonged to street children living with their families and street children
who were runways from families. Augustine's Mental Health Inventory (1981) was used
to measure the mental health of street children. The collected data were tabulated and
subjected to statistical analysis. The results of the present study revealed that there was a
significant difference in the mental health of street children living with their families and
runways from families. With regard to gender, 7-11 years old male street children who
were runways from families had better mental health than the female street children.
Seven to 11 years old female street children living with their families had better mental
health than the street children who are runways from families. Age did not have any effect
on mental health of street children.
The objective of the study is to find out the mental health of street children living
with their families and runways from families with reference to age and gender. In the
present investigation, 120 street children were selected. Sixty subjects belonged to the
age group of 7-11 years and 60 from 11 to 15 years of age group. Of which equal number
of 30 were males and females in each of the age group. Equal number of 15 in each
gender category belonged to street children living with their families and street children
who were runways from families. Augustine's Mental Health Inventory (1981) was used
to measure the mental health of street children. The collected data were tabulated and
subjected to statistical analysis. The results of the present study revealed that there was a
significant difference in the mental health of street children living with their families and
runways from families. With regard to gender, 7-11 years old male street children who
were runways from families had better mental health than the female street children.
Seven to 11 years old female street children living with their families had better mental
health than the street children who are runways from families. Age did not have any effect
on mental health of street children.
INTRODUCTION
The phenomenon of street children is global, alarming and escalating. No country and virtually no
city anywhere in the world are without the presence of street children. The term street children are referred
to those children for whom the street more than their family has become their real home. It includes children
who might not necessarily be homelessness or without families, but who live in situation where there is no
protection, supervision or direction from responsible adults. These children live in abandoned buildings,
containers, automobiles, parks or on the street itself. India now has one of the largest number of street
children in the world due to unemployment, increasing rural, urban migration and attraction of city life.
These children are subjected to malnutrition, hunger, health problems, substances abuse, theft harassment
by the city police and railway authorities as well as physical and sexual abuse (Clausen, 2002).
Street children are classified into three categories, They are: children on the ghetto is the largest
group consisting of children who work on the street. Children of the palace include runways, abused and
alienated. Children from deprived and poverty stricken families who are unable to maintain normal family
units. Children in the street is the smallest group covering orphans and abandoned children whose parents
may have died from war, illness or simply been unable to look after the children because of their family
circumstances (UNICEF, 2005). An indepth studies on street children were conducted on the reasons why
the children of the street leave their homes, how they survive and meet their daily needs, what problems
The phenomenon of street children is global, alarming and escalating. No country and virtually no
city anywhere in the world are without the presence of street children. The term street children are referred
to those children for whom the street more than their family has become their real home. It includes children
who might not necessarily be homelessness or without families, but who live in situation where there is no
protection, supervision or direction from responsible adults. These children live in abandoned buildings,
containers, automobiles, parks or on the street itself. India now has one of the largest number of street
children in the world due to unemployment, increasing rural, urban migration and attraction of city life.
These children are subjected to malnutrition, hunger, health problems, substances abuse, theft harassment
by the city police and railway authorities as well as physical and sexual abuse (Clausen, 2002).
Street children are classified into three categories, They are: children on the ghetto is the largest
group consisting of children who work on the street. Children of the palace include runways, abused and
alienated. Children from deprived and poverty stricken families who are unable to maintain normal family
units. Children in the street is the smallest group covering orphans and abandoned children whose parents
may have died from war, illness or simply been unable to look after the children because of their family
circumstances (UNICEF, 2005). An indepth studies on street children were conducted on the reasons why
the children of the street leave their homes, how they survive and meet their daily needs, what problems
they encounter whilst on the streets and how they surmount them (Thrane, 2006).
Mental health is the term which describes either a level of cognitive or economical well being or an
absence of a mental disorder. Mental health is a condition of psychological maturity, relatively constant and
enduring functions of personality. The mentally healthy individual has a clear concept of his life goals. The
mentally healthy individual has a philosophy of life that is based on conviction, belief and goals that
contribute to his happiness and the happiness of those around him (Michael & Vira, 2007). Children and
adolescent with good mental health are able to achieve and maintain optimal psychological and social
functioning and well-being (Wright, 1991). They have a sense of identity and self worth, sound family and
peer relationship, an ability to be productive and to learn and the capacity to tackle developmental
challenges and use cultural resources to maximize growth. Moreover, the good mental health of children
and adolescent is crucial for their active social and economic participation. Numerous studies have focused
on the mental health problems of homeless children (Mente, 1998).
Hence, the present study was undertaken, which is a comparative study on mental health of street
children living with their families and runways from families. Living with families are those street children
who are with their parents, siblings and relations. After their daily chores they join their families. Their
earnings greatly supplemented their family income based on their own survival. The runways from families
are those who had runways from their homes due to intolerable environment arising from poverty, breakup
of family due to death, desertion or maltreatment and live on streets without their families.
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The objectives discussed in this study were
·to study the effect of family on mental health of street children.
·to determine whether age has any influence on the mental health of street children.
·to understand the effect of gender on mental health of street children.
Mental health is the term which describes either a level of cognitive or economical well being or an
absence of a mental disorder. Mental health is a condition of psychological maturity, relatively constant and
enduring functions of personality. The mentally healthy individual has a clear concept of his life goals. The
mentally healthy individual has a philosophy of life that is based on conviction, belief and goals that
contribute to his happiness and the happiness of those around him (Michael & Vira, 2007). Children and
adolescent with good mental health are able to achieve and maintain optimal psychological and social
functioning and well-being (Wright, 1991). They have a sense of identity and self worth, sound family and
peer relationship, an ability to be productive and to learn and the capacity to tackle developmental
challenges and use cultural resources to maximize growth. Moreover, the good mental health of children
and adolescent is crucial for their active social and economic participation. Numerous studies have focused
on the mental health problems of homeless children (Mente, 1998).
Hence, the present study was undertaken, which is a comparative study on mental health of street
children living with their families and runways from families. Living with families are those street children
who are with their parents, siblings and relations. After their daily chores they join their families. Their
earnings greatly supplemented their family income based on their own survival. The runways from families
are those who had runways from their homes due to intolerable environment arising from poverty, breakup
of family due to death, desertion or maltreatment and live on streets without their families.
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The objectives discussed in this study were
·to study the effect of family on mental health of street children.
·to determine whether age has any influence on the mental health of street children.
·to understand the effect of gender on mental health of street children.
METHODOLOGY
Sample
The sample for the present study was obtained from various non-governmental organizations and
slum localities of Chennai city. There street children have been brought to these organizations either by
street educators from railway stations, bus stands and different corners of the city. The non-governmental
organizations were Mariyala in Broadway and Don Bosco Anbu Illam in Royapuram and the various
localities were Central railway station, Parrys Corner, Ottery and Kasimedu. Sixty subjects were selected
from 7-11 years of age group and 60 from 11-15 years of age group. Of which equal number of 30 were
males and females in each of the age group. Equal number of 15 in each gender category belonged to street
children living with their families and street children who are runways from families.
Tool
Augustine's Mental Health Inventory (1981) was used in the present study to assess the mental
health of the street children. This was translated in Tamil language. High score indicated good mental health
and low score indicated poor mental health.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The findings of the comparative study on mental health of 7-11 and 11-15 years old male and
female street children living with their families and runways from families are presented below.
Mental health and family
The following Table-1 provides details of mean scores, and standard deviation and 't' value of
mental health of street children with reference to their family.
Sample
The sample for the present study was obtained from various non-governmental organizations and
slum localities of Chennai city. There street children have been brought to these organizations either by
street educators from railway stations, bus stands and different corners of the city. The non-governmental
organizations were Mariyala in Broadway and Don Bosco Anbu Illam in Royapuram and the various
localities were Central railway station, Parrys Corner, Ottery and Kasimedu. Sixty subjects were selected
from 7-11 years of age group and 60 from 11-15 years of age group. Of which equal number of 30 were
males and females in each of the age group. Equal number of 15 in each gender category belonged to street
children living with their families and street children who are runways from families.
Tool
Augustine's Mental Health Inventory (1981) was used in the present study to assess the mental
health of the street children. This was translated in Tamil language. High score indicated good mental health
and low score indicated poor mental health.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The findings of the comparative study on mental health of 7-11 and 11-15 years old male and
female street children living with their families and runways from families are presented below.
Mental health and family
The following Table-1 provides details of mean scores, and standard deviation and 't' value of
mental health of street children with reference to their family.
The results from Table-1 indicates the mean scores of mental health of street children living with
their families and runways from families. The mean values of street children living with their families and
runways from families were 34.07 and 31.97 respectively. Thus, the calculated 't' value (t=2.39) was greater
than the table value 1.96 at 5% level of significance. The results showed that the street children living with
their families had better mental health than the street children who were runways from families. It is
because these children after performing the days' chores are with their families. The family is a place which
is responsible for good mental health in an individual whereas, the street child who do not have a family
encounters many more problems whilst on the streets and hence suffers from mental health problems.
their families and runways from families. The mean values of street children living with their families and
runways from families were 34.07 and 31.97 respectively. Thus, the calculated 't' value (t=2.39) was greater
than the table value 1.96 at 5% level of significance. The results showed that the street children living with
their families had better mental health than the street children who were runways from families. It is
because these children after performing the days' chores are with their families. The family is a place which
is responsible for good mental health in an individual whereas, the street child who do not have a family
encounters many more problems whilst on the streets and hence suffers from mental health problems.
It is apparent from Table-2 that no significant results existed between the mental health scores of
7-11 and 11-15 years old male street children living with their families and runways from families. Since
these male street children living with their families or without their families are equally exposed to the
7-11 and 11-15 years old male street children living with their families and runways from families. Since
these male street children living with their families or without their families are equally exposed to the
unhealthy street atmosphere and are vulnerable to many dangers and abuses including ill mental health.
Whereas, 7-11 years old female street children living with their families had better mental health than street
children who were runways from families.It is due to the fact that these female street children face a major
problem of sexual harassment and ill treatment. But, no significant difference was seen in 11-15 years old
female street children because these female street dwellers irrespective of whether they are with the family
or not, they are equally subjected to the ill-treatment meted out to them which in turn affect their mentally
healthy life.
Mental health and age
Table-3 provides details of mean scores standard deviations and 't' values of mental health of street
children living with their families and runways from families with reference to age.
Whereas, 7-11 years old female street children living with their families had better mental health than street
children who were runways from families.It is due to the fact that these female street children face a major
problem of sexual harassment and ill treatment. But, no significant difference was seen in 11-15 years old
female street children because these female street dwellers irrespective of whether they are with the family
or not, they are equally subjected to the ill-treatment meted out to them which in turn affect their mentally
healthy life.
Mental health and age
Table-3 provides details of mean scores standard deviations and 't' values of mental health of street
children living with their families and runways from families with reference to age.
The results from Table-3 reveals no significant difference in the mental health of 7-11 and 11-15
years old street children who were living with their families and runways from families. This may be
because both the younger and older street children are equally exposed to the same situations and encounter
the same environment of street life, hence no difference in mental health.
years old street children who were living with their families and runways from families. This may be
because both the younger and older street children are equally exposed to the same situations and encounter
the same environment of street life, hence no difference in mental health.
It is observed from Table-4 that no significant difference existed between 7-11 and 11-15 years
old male and female street children living with their families and runways from families. This finding
brings to light the fact that irrespective of age, street children are the major sufferers whose real home is the
street. They are tortured and abused physically and sexually, there is none to take responsibility of them,
hence this affect their mentally healthy life.
old male and female street children living with their families and runways from families. This finding
brings to light the fact that irrespective of age, street children are the major sufferers whose real home is the
street. They are tortured and abused physically and sexually, there is none to take responsibility of them,
hence this affect their mentally healthy life.
Mental health and gender
Table-5 provides details of mean scores and standard deviations of mental health of street children
living with their families and runways from families with reference to their gender.
Table-5 provides details of mean scores and standard deviations of mental health of street children
living with their families and runways from families with reference to their gender.
A perusal of Table-4 indicates the mean scores of 7-11 years old male and female street children
living with their families and runways from families. No significant difference existed in the mental health
of male and female street children living with their families. Whereas significant difference was observed
between male and female street children who were runaways from families. It was seen that 7-11 year old
male street children who were runways from families had better mental health than the female street
children. This is due to the fact that female street children live in situations where there is no protection, no
family connections, no shelter, no food and this lowers their mental health.
living with their families and runways from families. No significant difference existed in the mental health
of male and female street children living with their families. Whereas significant difference was observed
between male and female street children who were runaways from families. It was seen that 7-11 year old
male street children who were runways from families had better mental health than the female street
children. This is due to the fact that female street children live in situations where there is no protection, no
family connections, no shelter, no food and this lowers their mental health.
The results from Table-6 indicates that no significant difference existed between 11-15 years old
male and female street children living with families and runways from families. It is because both the males
and females of higher age group spend most of the time on the streets almost doing all the odd jobs.
Irrespective of gender, they are abused physically and sexually with no guidance and protection from
responsible adults. Hence, they are emotionally disturbed with no positive feelings towards themselves and
others.
CONCLUSION
The conclusion drawn from the present study revealed that on the whole street children living with
families had better mental health than the street children who were runways from families. Thus, 7-11 years
old female street children living with their families showed better mental health than those who were runways from families. Age of the child had no effect on the mental health of street children. With regard to
gender, 7-11 years old male street children who were runways from families had better mental health than
their female counterparts who lived on the streets without protection and shelter.
REFERENCES
1.Clausen (2002), A risk-amplification model of victimization and depressive symptoms among runway
and homeless adolescents. American Journal of Community Psychology, 27(8), 273-296.
2.Mente, M. (1998), The mental health of homeless school-age children. Journal of Child and Adolescent
Psychiatric Nursing, 11(3), 87-98.
3.Michael, K. & Vira, K. (2007). The health and well-being of neglected, abused and exploited children.
The Kyiv street children project, child abuse and neglect. The International Journal, 3(1), 27-37.
4.Thrane (2006). Street Children and Social Adjustments of Runway. Dissertation Department of
Sociology.
5.UNICEF (2005). Profile of Child in India.
6.Wright, J.D. (1991), Health and the homeless teenager. Journal of Health and Social Policy, 2(4), 15-35.
male and female street children living with families and runways from families. It is because both the males
and females of higher age group spend most of the time on the streets almost doing all the odd jobs.
Irrespective of gender, they are abused physically and sexually with no guidance and protection from
responsible adults. Hence, they are emotionally disturbed with no positive feelings towards themselves and
others.
CONCLUSION
The conclusion drawn from the present study revealed that on the whole street children living with
families had better mental health than the street children who were runways from families. Thus, 7-11 years
old female street children living with their families showed better mental health than those who were runways from families. Age of the child had no effect on the mental health of street children. With regard to
gender, 7-11 years old male street children who were runways from families had better mental health than
their female counterparts who lived on the streets without protection and shelter.
REFERENCES
1.Clausen (2002), A risk-amplification model of victimization and depressive symptoms among runway
and homeless adolescents. American Journal of Community Psychology, 27(8), 273-296.
2.Mente, M. (1998), The mental health of homeless school-age children. Journal of Child and Adolescent
Psychiatric Nursing, 11(3), 87-98.
3.Michael, K. & Vira, K. (2007). The health and well-being of neglected, abused and exploited children.
The Kyiv street children project, child abuse and neglect. The International Journal, 3(1), 27-37.
4.Thrane (2006). Street Children and Social Adjustments of Runway. Dissertation Department of
Sociology.
5.UNICEF (2005). Profile of Child in India.
6.Wright, J.D. (1991), Health and the homeless teenager. Journal of Health and Social Policy, 2(4), 15-35.
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