Abstract:
This study intends to examine the status of orphanage care services, psychosocial well
being and psychological vulnerability of orphans; and the mediating role of
psychological vulnerabilities between orphanage care services and psychosocial well
being of orphan children. This study was quantitative and the design was correlational.
The participants of the study were 115 orphan and vulnerable children (60 males, 55
females) selected through comprehensive sampling. Data were collected using group
administered questionnaires, through measures of orphanage care services, psychosocial
well-being, and psychological vulnerability. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard
deviation, frequency and percentage) and inferential statistics (one-sample t-tests,
multiple regression, and mediation analysis) were performed. The results of one-sample
t-tests indicated, orphanages sufficiently addressed needs such as food security,
healthcare, education, and shelter. Deficiencies were identified in the provision of
psychosocial services. The children showed relatively high levels of self-esteem,
hopefulness, and social relationships, reflecting strengths in their psychosocial well
being. Psychological vulnerability was found to be low among the children. Regression
analyses showed that psychosocial well-being was positively and significantly predicted
by healthcare, psychosocial services, food security, educational opportunities, and
responsive caregiving, while perceived marginalization negatively and significantly
predicted psychosocial well-being. Mediation analysis highlighted perceived stigma
consistently mediated the relationships between care services and psychosocial well
being outcomes. The study concluded orphanages in the study area effective in providing
food security, healthcare, educational opportunities, and housing. Improvements are
needed in psychosocial services, and addressing perceived stigma and marginalization. It
is recommended that orphanage care centers should focus on enhancing psychosocial
services, improving the quality of caregivers, and addressing clothing needs to ensure a
more comprehensive care for the children