Assessing the role of Life Skills Training Program in Mitigating Psychological distress among Orphans in Institutional Care

Abstract

Orphans residing in institutional care frequently encounter considerable psychological turmoil attributable to the lack of parental support and the presence of unstable living conditions. This investigation explored the effects of a life skills training intervention on mitigating symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress among orphans located in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan. Employing a randomized controlled trial methodology, a sample of 40 orphans aged between 12 and 19 was selected via convenience sampling and subsequently allocated into an experimental cohort (n=20) and control cohort (n=20). The experimental cohort engaged in nine one-hour life skills training sessions, whereas the control cohort did not receive any intervention. Pre- and post-intervention evaluations were performed utilizing the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-Youth Version (DASS-Y). The findings revealed a statistically significant decrease in levels of depression, anxiety, and stress within the experimental cohort in comparison to the control cohort (p < .05), thereby illustrating the efficacy of life skills training in mitigating psychological distress. Subsequent research should investigate the enduring effects of such interventions on mental health, highlighting the necessity for incorporating structured life skills programs into the curricula of orphanages to ensure sustained benefits.