Destitute Women in Tripura: A Study on their Level of Depression, Hopelessness, and Self-Esteem

This study is an attempt to measure the amount of depression, hopelessness, and self-esteem of a group of destitute women of Tripura who lives in various destitute homes of this state. Three leading homes who work for the welfare of the destitute women are selected and data were collected from 50 women by using three psychological scales, viz. The Beck hopelessness scale, the Beck depression inventory and Rosenberg self-esteem scale. Data were also collected from 50 non-destitute women of the same age and socioeconomic status. Results showed that destitute women have a higher level of depression and hopelessness, but a lower level of self-esteem than nondestitute women. Significant positive correlation between depression and hopelessness was found, but self-esteem is negatively correlated with both depression and hopelessness.