Indian Journal of Health and Wellbeing

Santhosh Ayathupady ¹, Mohanan ¹, Rajitha Menon Arikkatt ¹

Affiliations
1 Graduate School of Human Sciences, Assumption University of Thailand, Bangkok, TH

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the mediating role of self-esteem in the relationship between attachment dimensions and life satisfaction of adolescents living in orphanages in Bangkok, Thailand. The sample consisted of 240 adolescents (148 girls & 92 boys) living in five orphanages in Bangkok. Attachment dimensions (angry-distress, non-availability, & lack of goal-corrected partnership), life satisfaction and self-esteem were measured employing valid and reliable questionnaires. The results of the mediation analysis supported the indirect effect of angrydistress and availability on life satisfaction. However, self-esteem did not mediate the relationship between lack of goal-corrected partnership and life satisfaction. The findings are discussed in relation to the attachment issues experienced by the adolescents living in orphanages – where the probability of attachment issues is high. Considering the long-lasting effects of attachment on the adolescents' psychological development, this study provides insights into the attachment dynamics in adolescents living in orphanages. The findings may help develop effective interventions with this vulnerable population to facilitate desirable outcomes.

Keywords

Adolescents, Attachment Dimensions, Life Satisfaction, Orphans, Self-Esteem.

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Rajitha Menon Arikkatt ¹, Santhosh Ayathupady Mohanan ¹

Affiliations
1 Graduate School of Human Sciences, Programs in Counselling Psychology, Assumption University of Thailand, Bangkok, TH

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic forced people across the nations to change their social life. Social distancing is the single most effective measure to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The characteristics of the society in which it is practiced can have a differential impact on the intention to perform social distancing. Drawing on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and the characteristics of Thai culture, this study attempted to investigate the effect of subjective norm on social distancing intention, being mediated by the attitude towards social distancing and perceived behavioral control among Thai university students, while controlling for the perceived barriers and perceived external control. The sample consisted of university students from 5 universities in Bangkok, Thailand. A total of 176 university students, 87females and 86 males participated in the study. The variables were measured by questionnaires constructed based on the TPB research framework and were found to be reliable indicated by the Cronbach's Alpha that ranged from .83 to .88. The results of the path analysis supported the proposed extended TPB framework. Attitude towards social distancing was found to mediate the relationship between subjective norm and social distancing intention, while perceived behavioral control did not mediate the relationship. A culturally-informed comprehensive framework of TPB was found to be useful in predicting social distancing intention. The results are discussed in connection with the TPB and cultural aspects.

Keywords

Theory of Planned Behavior, Social Distancing Intention, COVID-19, Collectivist Culture, Thailand.

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