Basic Psychological Needs, Coping and Psychological Distress Among Orphans Living in Orphanages

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to explore the relationship of basic psychological needs, coping and psychological distress among orphans living in orphanages. To examine the relationship between these variables quantitative method was used. Convenient sampling technique was used to collect the data. Sample consisted of 200 orphans in which 153 was male and 47 was female. The data was collected with the help of self-report measures i.e., Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction and Frustration Scale (BPNSF) by Van der Kaap-Deeder (2015), Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS-21) by Somia (2020) and DASS-21 by Aslam (2017). The data was analyzed on SPSS 26 version. There was significant relationship between basic psychological needs frustration and psychological distress. Avoidance focused coping and emotion focused coping were significant predictor of psychological distress. Psychological distress was positively predicted by avoidance focused coping and emotion focused coping. Male orphans score higher on avoidance focused coping and task focused coping. The findings of the study are likely to facilitate experts in developing customized strategies to support and guide orphans which can help reduce their distress and encourage them to cope with difficulties in a better way.