Differences in self esteem between adopted and institutionalized orphans in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Negative self appraisal results into lowered self esteem in orphans, a situation which seriously affects their future life. However, very little has been studied in Tanzania concerning self esteem development in orphans. This study aimed at investigating the differences in self esteem development between adopted and institutionalized orphans in Dar es salaam. Specifically, the study assessed the relationship between psychosocial support provided to orphans and self esteem development, as well as examining the effect of social demographic variables on self esteem development among institutionalized and adopted orphans in Dar es salaam. Both qualitative and quantitative research approaches were used with questionnaire and focus group discussions used as data collection instruments. Three hundred and twenty nine participants were involved in the study of which one hundred and ninety two were adopted while 137 were institutionalized orphans. Also 22 parents and six caregivers from adoptive and institutionalized contexts respectively participated in the qualitative part of the study.It was revealed that institutionalized orphans had higher levels of self esteem than the adopted ones. Also, there was a significant relationship between psychosocial support provided to orphans and self esteem development. Hence, the more the psychosocial services were provided to orphans the higher the self steem. Moreover, age, religion and orphans types were significantly related to orphan’s self esteem development.The study recommended that, the government through the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Education and Vocational Training and other stake holders have to support orphans in their necessary needs. Also, parents and caregivers have to be trained by Social Welfare Extension Officers on better ways for orphans care.