Psychosocial challenges of street children in Limpopo Province and efficacy of social skills training

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was twofold: firstly, to explore the psychosocial challenges of street children compared to non-street children, and secondly to develop intervention strategies, implement and assess the effectiveness of those intervention strategies among street children. Method: The study followed a two in one study method to achieve its aim. This approach involved two phases, phase I entails assessment of psychosocial challenges of street children using a quantitative independent sample group design with an experimental and control group of street children (N-300) with ages ranging from 8-18 years with the mean age of 15.92 (SD= 1.89) and non-street children (N-300) with ages ranging from 8-18 years with mean age of 15.46 (SD= 1.87). Phase II entails the designing of social skills training package and exposure of street children to the training which used a pre-test and post-test experimental and control group design with (N-24) street children who were randomly assigned to the experimental and control group. Results: Phase I study hypothesis was tested using an independent sample t-test. Results revealed si1:,111ificant statistical differences between street children and non-street children on self-esteem t(598) = 20.03, p< .000, resilience t(598) = 9.48,p< .000, coping strategies t(598) = 11.73, p< .000, history of childhood trauma t(598) = -27.24, p<.000, parental wamth 1(598) = 14.02, p< .000 and parental supervision t(598) = 20.92, p< .000 and socio-economic status t(598) = 11.64, p< .000. Phase II study hypothesis was tested using analysis of covaiiance (Ancova). The findings indicated the efficacy of SE-RE-CO social skills training as street children who participated in the programme showed improved self-esteem, F (1 ,21)= 25.1 6, p < .000, partial 11 2 = .545, resilience, F(l,21)= 7.44, p <.079, partial 11 2 =.262 and coping strategies F(l,21 )= 33.71, p <.000, partial n2 =.616. compared to non-street children who did not participate in the social skills training programme. Conclusion: The study concludes that street children expenence more psychosocial challenges than non-street children. SE-RE-CO social skills programme can help street children to deal with the challenges they face. It is therefore recommended that tailor made intervention programmes be designed for other vulnerable children.