Abstract

The present study examined the maltreatment experiences and disturbances in self-concept of below poverty line (BPL) adolescents from India. The sample consisted of 140 participants (age 13-17 years), both male and female, 70 from BPL families and 70 from above poverty line (APL) families. Purposive sampling method was used to draw data from both groups. Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) by Bernstein and Fink (1999) and Self Concept scale by Ahluwalia (2002) were employed. Results indicated that BPL participants were high on experiences of abuse and neglect and low on self-concept compared to APL participants. On gender differences of BPL adolescents, sexual abuse and emotional neglect were found high among females whereas physical neglect and self-concept were high among males. Among the various types of maltreatment only physical abuse was found to be the significant predictor of low self-concept of BPL adolescents. It is hoped that the study will prove helpful for planning interventions for this group of population.

Key words: Self-concept, abuse, neglect, BPL adolescents.