A Comparison of Mental Health Problems and Coping Strategies in Orphans and Non-Orphans

Abstract

The present research aims to compare the levels of mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and stress between orphans and non-orphans and to explore the differential use of coping strategies between the two groups. The research has been conducted in three phases. Phase I dealt with the forward backward Urdu translation process of the English version of the Ways of Coping Questionnaire (WAYS). Phase II comprised a pilot study and checked the adequacy of the WAYS for administration on the sample of 20 orphans and 20 non-orphans selected from different areas of Jhelum by using a purposive sampling technique. Phase III comprised the main study of the research where the Urdu version of Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scales (DASS-42) and WAYS are administered to 100 non-institutionalized orphans and 100 non-orphans between age range 15 years to 25 years. The results of the research showed that they have also used different coping strategies with less frequency as compared to non-orphans. Double orphans have significantly high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression than single orphans. Moreover, double orphans significantly differ in the use of coping strategies in comparison to single orphans. Implications are discussed in light of the findings of the research.