Addis Ababa University College of Education and Behavioral Studies School of Psychology
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Date
2020-06
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AAU
Abstract
The main objective of this research was to make assessment on the level of mental distress,
coping mechanisms measurement scale and resilience building level of children of streets at
selected sub cites in Addis Ababa. The living environments of children of the street were very
harsh and slummy. They were unable to meeting their basic necessities such as food, cloth and
secure sleeping places, and also lacked access to services such as health; education, recreation
and also highly affected by diseases, depression and other psychological effects. The data
pertinent to the study was gathered through a standardized questionnaire in four areas i.e. basic
background information, mental distress level, coping mechanisms and resilience building level.
The data was analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistical principles. In the research,
the number of children of street are increased to flow the capital city mainly due to poverty, peer
pressure and conflict with parents. This particular study was addressed 128 (111 males and 17
females) children of street children who live in Addis Ketema, Arada, Lideta and Kirkos sub-
cities in Addis Ababa. A self-report measure consisting of demographic characteristics related
questionnaire on mental distress, coping strategies and resilience level measurement scale was
used to collect data. The results have shown that all participants had high level of mental
distress. Regarding coping strategies, the finding was indicated that the participants seeking
social and spiritual supports. They also try to work for earning their life by selling items, in the
middle of the roads which is exposed them in full of risks and playing lottery games as well as
begging mostly. On resilience building issues, the finding was revealed that the children of
streets those have secondary education level are better in the resilience building rather than
primary school and non-education respectively.
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Keywords
Mental Distress, Coping Mechanism, Resilience Building