Effect of Leisure Time Activities on Mental Health of Orphan Children

Abstract

The present study was aimed to investigate the effect of leisure time activities on mental health status of orphan children. Orphan children suffer greatly from mental disorders as compared to their peer group. For conducting experiment 30 (15 Boys and 15 Girls) orphan children from Guru Nanak Anath Ashram (Orphan Home) by using random sampling technique were selected. All subjects were between the age group of 13-18 years of age a programme of leisure time activities was prepared, which was based on the interest of samples. In order to analyze experimental effects, pre test –post test experimental design was applied. To compare the mean value of two group ie control group and experimental group t- test was applied and tested at 0.01 significant levels. Training of selected leisure time activities were imparted to subjects up to twelve (12) weeks to experimental group. Training program was not imparted to control group (15 Boys and 15 Girls). Pre and post mental Health status were checked by Singh and Gupta Mental Health Battery. The results of the investigation shown that there are positive effects of leisure time activities over the various dimensions of mental health i.e. emotional stability, overall adjustment, autonomy, security-insecurity, self-concept and intelligence.