Poly-victimization and mental health of street children in Lahore city

Abstract

Background: Street children are vulnerable to a number of problems throughout their lives. Poly-victimization covers the different domains of the difficulties they face on streets, it is also notable to find out the impact of poly-victimization on the mental health of street children.Aims: The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between poly-victimization and mental health in street children of Lahore city. It was hypothesized that there is likely to be a predictive relationship between poly-victimization and mental health of street children.Methods: Through purposive sampling a sample of 77 street boys was collected from Lahore city, with the help of three government and private organizations working with street children. Sample included only boys within the age range of 9–13 years (M  =  10.66, SD  =  1.26) who have been residing on streets for more than one month. Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire and Mental Health Inventory were used for assessment of poly-victimization and mental health respectively.Results: The results indicated that poly-victimization positively predicted the psychological distress and negatively predicted psychological wellbeing in street children.Conclusion: The most common type of victimization was conventional crime which negatively predicts mental health of street children. The results have important implications for the policy makers to develop improved services for this vulnerable group.