Comparative Analysis of the Mental Health of Physically Disabled and Normal Adolescents in Prayagraj in India

Adolescence is a very significant period in a young person’s life. It is a time when youth are growing and establishing individual identities. It is also a critical time for learning essential life skills. Mental health describes a level of psychological well-being, or an absence of a mental disorder. Mental health can also be defined as an expression of emotions, and as signifying a successful adaptation to a range of demands. People with disabilities often experience a sense of social isolation and loneliness, which can also lead to depression and other mental health issues the main objectives of this research study were to determine the difference in the mental health of adolescents from normal and physical disabled groups. Allahabad (prayagraj) has been selected purposively for research. The total sample size was 80 adolescents comprised of 40 girls between the age group of 13 to 19 years. The data was collected by using purposive sampling method. A standardized mental health battery developed by Singh (2016) was administered. Data was analyzed by frequencies/ percentages and t test. It is concluded that, maximum numbers of respondents were under average mental health in normal population whereas maximum numbers of respondents were having poor mental health in disabled population. The results further reveal significant difference in the mental health among adolescents belonging to normal and disabled population in the study area.