ABSTRACT
The present study aimed to investigate the internalizing [i.e., guilt, anxiety, shynes, withdrawn and immaturity] and externalizing problems [i.e., impulsivity, aggression] in street and non street children. As it was hypothesized that street children would have more internalizing and externalizing problems as compared to non street children. National Institute of Psychology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad. Data was collected from August 2009 to January 2010. Comparative study. The sample of the study consisted of 300 children [150 street children and 150 non - street children]. Among 150 street children 134 were boys and 16 were girls. Equal number of non-street children was taken. Age range of the sample was 5 to 16 years. Human Figure Drawing [HFD] test was used to assess the internalizing and externalizing problem in street children. For interpretation Koppitz1 scoring system was used. The data of street children was selected from the head office and the regional office of Child protection and welfare bureau, Lahore and Rawalpindi, while the sample of non street children was taken from the schools of Rawalpindi. Frequencies and percentages were calculated and chi-square was computed to gadget the differences between two groups on emotional problems. Findings showed that street children showed more internalizing and externalizing problems as compared to non - street children. Significant differences were found between street and non - street children on impulsivity, aggression, immaturity, withdrawn and anxiety. Anxiety and guilt was found significantly higher in street girls as compared to street boys. Results remained consistent with previous researches. There were significant differences between street children and non - street children. Street children scored higher on the indicators of immaturity, impulsivity, aggression, anxiety and withdrawn whereas, guilt and anxiety was found higher among female street children. Preventive measures and early intervention can mitigate the vulnerability of street children in developing psychopathology