Subjective Well-Being of Young People from Among Orphans in the Conditions of Transition to Independent Life

Abstract

The article presents the results of a comparative study of the subjective well-being (hereinafter — SB) of students and graduates of various forms of life arrangement of orphans: an organization for orphans (hereinafter — o\o), a substitute family. As well as those who were returned after an unsuccessful family arrangement to an organization for orphans. It is shown that graduates, regardless of the group, in the conditions of transition to an independent life, the level of SB decreases, and the number of recorded stresses increases. The most frustrated group are graduates of substitute families. They are, in the terminology of A. Adler, are experiencing the “trauma of overthrow from the throne”. The most satisfied with life compared to others before graduation in independent life do not cope with difficulties, especially young men. Graduates of orphanages are the most prepared for independent life. If before graduation they rated their SB significantly lower compared to foster children, then in the post-international period they took leading positions among others. In the conditions of o\o, the students from the group of those returned from the family felt significantly less prosperous compared to others. In independent life, they have new opportunities, the level of self-esteem, satisfaction with security and relationships with relatives and friends increases. The article provides recommendations for post-international support of graduates.