Self-respect and coping strategy among orphan youth

Abstract

One of the most important but neglected areas of psychosocial research, particularly in Nepal, is the reintegration of orphaned youth from institutional to community settings. The present study examined the self-esteem and coping methods of 67 re-integrated orphaned youths aged between 16 and 23 years residing in Kathmandu Valley. The principal objectives were to determine the self-respect level of these people, to identify the problems they encounter after reintegration, and to study the coping methods they adopt in their daily life. The study was of a descriptive-exploratory nature. Participants were selected from orphanages and transitional care settings in the Kathmandu Valley by simple random sampling during the 2022–2023 academic year. The data were collected through two standardized instruments: the Self-Respect Rating Scale (40 items, 7-point Likert scale) and the Brief COPE Inventory (28 items, 4-point scale), structured questionnaires, key informant interviews, and field observations. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results show that the majority of the respondents have moderate to high levels of self-respect, with 52.2% in the moderate level and 32.9% in the high level. The most common coping strategy was problem-focused coping, followed by emotion-focused and avoidant coping. Self-respect and coping methods did not have significant gender differences. Challenges after reintegration included financial problems, social stigma, lack of family support, and lack of life skills. The study concludes that reintegrated orphaned youths are remarkably resilient. They do, however, need continued psychosocial support, structured counseling, and community-based mentoring to facilitate a successful transition to independent adulthood.