Depressive symptoms and aggressive behavior among orphanage female children

Abstract

Background An orphan’s life is perilous because of their lack of care and support. There are many kinds of stressful events that occur among orphans, such as deprivation from family, aggression, and physical and psychological stress, which may influence their lives and mood, and they become irritable and hopeless individuals. Aim This study was aimed to assess depression and aggression among orphanage residents at Tanta City. Participants and methods Using a descriptive cross-sectional design, the study was conducted at three shelters at Tanta City (Al-Wafaa 1 and 2 and Al-Radwa shelters). It included a sample of 94 children who were selected from the previously mentioned settings. The tools of data collection were an interviewing questionnaire form, a depression scale, and aggression scale. Results The study finding showed that the reason for the increase in depression among adolescents was no known parents (79.6%). There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the depression scores and physical aggression. Conclusion and recommendation The study concluded that highest depression scores were present among adolescents staying in orphanage for more than 12 years. The study recommended that further intervention studies are proposed to deal with these behavioral problems using various approaches pertaining to the structure and function of the orphanage.