Self-Esteem, Depression, and Social Skills: A Comparative Study of Institutionalized and Non-Institutionalized Orphans

Abstract

The present study examined self-esteem, depression, and social skills among institutionalized and non-institutionalized orphans in Lahore, Pakistan. The study included 60 participants aged 13–18 years. Data were collected using Urdu versions of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Child Depression Scale, and Social Skills Inventory. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, and correlation analyses were conducted. Results showed no significant differences between institutionalized and non-institutionalized orphans in depression (t = -1.68, p = .098), selfesteem (t = -0.64, p = .528), or social skills (t = -0.87, p = .386). Gender and education also did not significantly affect these variables. Correlation analysis indicated a significant positive relationship between depression and self-esteem (r = .273, p < .05), suggesting that higher depression scores were associated with higher self-esteem scores in this sample. These findings suggest that adequate psychosocial support, care, and educational opportunities may buffer orphans from negative psychological outcomes regardless of living arrangements.