DWELLING IN SHELTER HOMES: PERSONALITY DISPOSITIONS, COPING MECHANISMS, AND DEPRESSION

Abstract

Residing in shelter homes has become a safety option for runaway women. The primary objective was to understand the females’ personality dispositions, coping mechanisms, and depression. A purposive sample of 90 female residents of shelter homes from 5 different cities, namely Lahore, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Rawalpindi, and Faisalabad, was recruited. The females aged between 17 to 80 years, with an average age 28.23. A correlation survey method was used with Urdu-translated versions of assessment measures. Spearman’s correlation and Multiple Linear Regression were used for data analysis. Findings showed that women experiencing low self-esteem reported high depression. Most depressed females were less likely to use a problem-focused coping mechanism. Even though almost all the male perpetrators were educated and employed, it did not reduce the incidence of abuse inflicted on the females. Results can be used to assess the mental well-being of these females and improve their living conditions.