Wellness and Play Among Children in a City of West Bengal, India

Keywords: Urbanization, child wellness, mental health, outdoor play, SDQ
Session Type: Virtual Paper Abstract
Day: Friday
Session Start / End Time: 2/25/2022 05:20 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/25/2022 06:40 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 71

Abstract

Over time, unrestricted and unplanned urbanization has led to shrinkage of green space, open areas, and recreational parks which are important for the development of a child’s physical, psychological and social wellbeing. Recent research provides information on the influence of outdoor activities and play on a child’s all-round development. The present study conducted in the city of Howrah, West Bengal, India emerges from the critical question or crisis that the urban children face due to diminishing outdoor play options. The paper views mental health of a child from their own perceptions and that of their parents. Parents’ have an irrefutable role in building a child’s psyche.
Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (by R. Goodman) was used in this study. An SDQ Scale has been used to analyze the mental health condition of children. SDQ scale has five components. Pro-social behavior is one of the components, which is applied to understand the scenarios of anxiety with children both-working parents and single-working parent. Binary Logistics Regression calculated in this paper examines the background variables which influence children’s outdoor play.
Playing pattern is differs with the type of residence. The study concludes from time-use surveys how playing time is curtailed from a child’s daily routine as playing outdoors is not considered important. This research work attempts to show what are the implications of reduced outdoor play activities of children on their mental health. The cities in the developing countries have failed to look after the green space.