Street Children: The Need For Love, And For Security?

The need for love, as well as for security, is a powerful motivator of behavior (Brendtro et al., 1990). Alienated youths, experiencing harsh social conditions, may seek alternative ways to fulfill these needs, including running away. Young people also desire autonomy. For many street children, freedom from adult control is the most important attribute of their adopted way of life (Scharf et al., 1986). Street children who experience harsh social conditions and broken family relations tend to have behavioral problems. They seek alternative ways to fulfill their needs, by running away from their homes. Pringle (1974) grouped the psychosocial needs of children into four main areas:
i) the need for love and security, ii) the need for new experiences, iii) the need for praise and recognition and iv) the need for responsibility. If these needs are not met or are thwarted, children may be at risk for emotional and behavioral problems, and fulfillment sought elsewhere (away from the family unit). Street children may fall into this category. …show more content…
When they are enrolled in any organization, they expect some care, support and protection and usually they dislike too much security in shelters. Hence, the care and support provided by the organization and past experiences like familial and personal problems have a significant influence on the behavioral problems of street children. If the children receive proper care and support by organization, they feel happy, comfortable and become normal