Effects of Housing Characteristics of Children in Residential Poor Households on Children's Social Withdrawal and Self-esteem

This study aimed to identify housing characteristics of children living in housing poverty and analyze impact of their housing environment on their social withdrawal and self-esteem, providing foundational data for ensuring children's housing rights. A survey was conducted with children aged 9 to 18 years and their guardians from 115 housing-poor households in K Metropolitan City. After excluding inappropriate responses, data from 72 households were analyzed. Findings revealed that children living in housing poverty commonly lacked separate rooms for opposite-gender siblings over 8 years old. These households also faced significant challenges with soundproofing and housing cost burdens, with 96% falling below minimum living standards. This study found a negative correlation between the number of unmet housing standards and children's self-esteem. Additionally, smaller per capita living space was associated with higher levels of social withdrawal among children. Notably, elementary school students exhibited lower self-esteem than middle and high school students in housing-poor conditions. Based on these results, this study proposed recommendations for improving community environments and policies to safeguard children's housing rights. These recommendations emphasize the need for child-centered housing policies, enhanced educational and counseling opportunities, and integrated services through collaborations with local institutions. These measures aimed to mitigate adverse effects of housing poverty on children's social and emotional development.