Age and Gender as Determinants of Street Children’s SelfEsteem and Risk Attitude

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the self-esteem and risk attitudes of street children in Lagos metropolis. The study examined whether there were differences in self-esteem and risk taking attitudes based on gender and age. The sample consisted of 249 street children: 132 males and 117 females. Three instruments were used to gather data: a self-esteem rating scale, risk attitude scale and measure of street child status identification scale. The data were analyzed using a t-test and one way ANOVA. The findings showed that street children had poor self esteem and inclined to risk taking attitude. There were no significant differences in self-esteem and risktaking attitudes based on age and gender. The study concluded by emphasizing the need to incorporate street children into the normal system like school system. It recommended sports as a good avenue where these children would be able to make use of their risk- taking attitudes