Social anxiety among adolescents living with single parent families

ABSTRACT

To determine difference in level of social anxiety between adolescents living with both parents and Single parent families. Karachi City, during September 2003 to July 2006. Subjects were selected from higher secondary level school/college, both male /female between the ages 12-17. After detail literature review, it was hypothesized that the level of anxiety would be more in adolescents living with single parents as compare to those living with both parents; and there would be significant difference in level of social anxiety among sub-categories of single parent groups. In order to test the hypotheses 240 college students [male/female] were selected to administer Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale [RCADS]. The students were selected on the basis of demographic information for the required categories including, 1] control group who were living with both real biological parent, 2] Single parent group includes four subgroups death, separation, divorced, and lack of Physical presence group. For the purpose of statistical analysis t-test and analysis of variance was used. The result suggests there is significant difference on the variable of social anxiety between adolescents living with both parents and single parent families; as well as among subgroups, the highest level of social anxiety found in separation group. In the present study adolescents belonging to single parent families found to have greater social anxiety than those living in both parent families. Availability of both parents develops sense of security, confidence and social adjustment among adolescents and 'losing a parent' stigmas develops avoidance from social situation that may cause social anxiety. The higher amount of social anxiety was found in separation group