Perceived social support among adolescents in different living setup

Pages: 361-364
Kavita Gautam and A.V.S. Madnawat (Department of Psychology, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, Rajasthan)

Social support is the perception and actuality that one is cared for, has assistance available from other people and is part of a supportive social network. Social support can come from a variety of sources including family, friends, marital partners, pets, community ties, and co-workers. Sources of support can be natural (e.g., family & friends) or more formal (e.g., mental health specialists or community organizations). Early familial social support has been shown to be important for adolescents. The study investigated whether perceived social support varied among adolescents (Boys & Girls) who have lost their parents at an early age and are living in general orphanages or orphanages which provide family setup and adolescents from intact families (comparison group). Total sample of 224 adolescents in the age range of 15-19 yrs. was drawn from SOS children’s village at Jaipur and Bhopal, various orphanages and schools in Jaipur. PGI social support Questionnaire was used to assess the level of perceived social support . Analysis of variance was used to analyse data statistically. Statistically significant difference was found in the level of Perceived Social Support among adolescents in this study in terms of Living setup as well as gender. SOS village model has its merits over the general orphanage though overall orphans perception of social support is less than adolescents coming from intact families indicating need to review ways to improve social support for orphans.