Abstract
Street children exist in all under developed and developing countries. Street children
spend most of the time in streets and are forced to work in order to support their
families. They are abused and accused by the society. Many of them are rejected by
their own parents. During the early years of personality development the adverse
environments and conditions can be determinant of various psychological problems
among this group. The aim of the present study is to focus on some of the important
dimensions of personality development among street children with respect to
perceived parental acceptance- rejection. Quantitative comparisons were made
among street children (n=50) and non-street children (n=50). Rosenberg self-esteem
scale, 10-item self-scoring self-control scale and child parental acceptance rejection
questionnaire were used as data collection tools. Self-esteem, Self-control and
important dimensions of parenting styles i.e., warmth/affection, hostility/aggression,
indifference/neglect and undifferentiated/ rejection were measured among street
children and non-street children. The adverse association of parental rejection with a
child’s Self-esteem and Self-Control was confirmed. Street Children perceived more
parental rejection as compared to non street children. In addition to this, the levels of
Self-Esteem and Self Control among street children were significantly low as
compared to non street children. Similarly, significant negative correlations were
found between scores of Parental Acceptance Rejection Questionnaire (both Mother
and Father Version) with Self-Esteem scale and Self-Control among street children but
the study did not reveal any significant relationship with Gender variable. The study
suggests that parental rejection is significantly related to the child’s Self-esteem and
Self-control.
