Gender-based Variations in Mental Health and Psychosocial Functioning among Adolescents in Disaster-Prone Regions: A Comparative Study in Kodagu, Karnataka

Description

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20053377

Gireesha C R¹ and Susmitha² (Department of Social Work, Dr. K. Shivarama Karantha Govt. First Grade College, Bellare¹ and
Department of Social Work, JSS College of Arts, Commerce and Science, Mysore²)

Adolescents living in disaster-affected areas are likely to experience psychological and social issues due to the disruption of daily activities, family life, and education. In the context of India, studies on gender-based psychological and social variations in adolescents experiencing repeated natural disasters are scarce. For instance, the context of Kodagu in Karnataka is understudied. This analytical-descriptive study involved 379 school-going adolescents (160 boys, 219 girls) from Kodagu district (disaster-prone areas). The study participants were selected using purposive random sampling from 8th, 9th, and 10th standards. Data collection tools used were structured questionnaires on socio-demographic variables, psychological, social, and emotional aspects. Significant gender-based differences were also established in all domains. Boys had higher levels of anxiety/fear, emotional and social well-being, social participation, environmental values, interpersonal skills, self-image, and social interaction than girls. However, both genders had similar levels of cognitive/academic functioning, emotional sharing, and post-disaster symptoms, which include functional anxiety, intrusion, and avoidance. Statistically significant differences were also evident in fathers’ educational attainment and occupation. This highlights the need for gender-sensitive psychosocial interventions for adolescents in disaster-affected regions. Improving school-based mental health, family support, and community resilience-building interventions are necessary for promoting the well-being and resilience of youth in disaster-affected regions.