Archives of Mental Health (Jan 2013)
A cross sectional study of adjustment of disadvantaged children in an urban school setting
Abstract
Background: Age six to twelve years is a very critical stage in a child's life when the child develops a sense of inferiority or confidence depending on the nurturing and the milieu he is brought up. Many children belonging to disadvantaged families do not get proper education and care to enable their complete development. In this study, we aimed to examine the importance of education institutions that cater to disadvantaged children and their role in cultivating identity and confidence in children. Aims: To study if there is any difference in the adjustment between I standard and III standard students enrolled in a school that provides free holistic education for the children growing up in the slums of an urban city. Methods: Our study sample consisted of eighteen students each from I and III standards from a school for disadvantaged children from an urban city. Preadolescent adjustment scale (PAAS) was administered and the scores were noted and subjected to statistical analysis. Results: There was a significantly higher general, school and peer scores on PAAS suggesting better adjustment in the students of III standard than I standard students, but no change was observed in teacher scores of PAAS. Conclusion: The programs and tutelage given by the school is ameliorating student's attitude towards education and making them more adjusted and comfortable with going to school. This is critical in bringing the slums of India forward and decreasing the gap between the rich and the poor.
