Perceived social support and locus of control among children in child care institutions

Abstract

Introduction: Children in child care institutions are one of the most vulnerable groups in society. In many countries, they are living in orphanages or children’s home for reasons, such as parent’s death, abandonment, neglect, born with some medical conditions, poverty. Many nations are facing a struggle to care for these vulnerable group. Child care institutions provide children’s home aid programmes, foster care, adoption and family reunification programmes. Research work related to children in child care institutions shed light into their wellbeing. Aim: This study aimed to know the level of perceived social support and locus of control among children in child care institutions and relations of independent variables (age, gender etc.) on perceived social support and locus of control. This study was a survey design in nature. Census method was used for the study. 222 children between the age group of 10-18, from 5 children homes run by the Kerala government was selected for the study. Kerala. Result: This study reveals that there is no significant relationship between perceived social support and locus of control. Perceived social support is high among the children those who have an internal locus of control. It is seen that 53% of children have an internal locus of control and 47% of children have an external locus of control. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the children in child care institutions show average level of perceived social support and there is no relationship between locus of control. Internal locus of control in children is higher than external locus of control. The caretakers, parents and relatives need to support the children in a better way so that they feel cared and loved. It is important to train the children to have internal locus of control so that they take responsibility for the outcome of their lives.