Psycho-Social Variables and Social Adjustment of Orphans in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

The study was carried out to examine the influence of psycho-social variables on social adjustment of orphans in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. To achieve the purpose of the study, two research questions were raised and two null hypotheses were formulated respectively to guide the study. The study adopted survey research design. The population of the study comprised of all the 670 children in all the five selected orphanages in Akwa Ibom State. A sample of 210 respondents were selected using Taro Yamen Formula. “Psycho-Social Variables and Social Adjustment of Orphans Questionnaires (PSVSAOQ)†was used for data collection in this study. The instrument was validated by three experts two from the Department of Guidance and Counselling and one from the Department of Psychological Foundations of Education, Faculty of Education. Mean and Standard Deviation were used to answer research questions while the hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance using dependent t-test. The findings of the study revealed that there is a significant influence of self-concept and caregivers support on social adjustment of orphans in Akwa Ibom State. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that school counsellors should design and implement specific programmes that focus on developing emotional intelligence skills such as self-awareness, self-regulation, and self-concept to help orphans better cope with social challenges and build healthier peer relationships. Finally, schools should establish peer support groups where orphans can share experiences, receive encouragement, and learn positive coping strategies from each other.