THE PSYCHOSOCIAL PROBLEMS OF THE STREET CHILDREN


Aims. The researcher aims to examine the psychosocial problems of street children such as, family patterns, street life collaboration, adverse effects of poor/weak home management, influence of environment, critical role of social values, genetic effects and cultural aspects in Lahore, Pakistan. Method. The interview guide emerged, consists of the 36 questions, which was based on the semi-structured interviews of the street children. This guide was then conducted on the 10 selected students, to collect qualitative research data. To assess the emotional quotient of the street children, Bar on Emotional Quotient (EQ) Inventory Youth Version was used in this study. Result. Findings revealed children with low EQ have low level of resistance and adaptability level. Qualitative results found some major themes on the basis of qualitative analysis, such as; On street child, social life cycle of human, nonstandard behavior, rebelliousness, destruction, family structure, family change, socialization, thought and emotive developments and Withdrawals. Conclusion. Moreover, results concluded that these factors lead children to become street children. In addition, findings showed that the children face demoralizing surroundings at home and streets, which leads them towards destruction, rebelliousness and deleterious personality.