Impact of Broken Families on Adolescent Behavior: A Developmental Psychology Study in Sitamarhi

The study entitled “Impact of Broken Families on Adolescent Behavior: A Developmental Psychology Study in Sitamarhi” investigates the psychological, emotional, and behavioral consequences of family disruption on adolescents. The primary objectives were to assess levels of psychological distress, coping strategies, stigma perception, and social support among adolescents from broken families, and to compare group differences by gender and background. A mixed-method design was adopted, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews. Sixteen adolescents (ages 13–19) from broken families in Sitamarhi district participated, identified through random sampling. Data were collected using a demographic schedule, the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), Coping Strategies Inventory (CSI), and semi-structured interviews. Descriptive statistics (mean, SD, frequency) were calculated, and independent samples t-tests were conducted to evaluate group differences. Results showed that adolescents reported moderate distress, with females exhibiting significantly higher distress than males (t(14) = -2.492, p < .05). Coping strategies were mixed, with both adaptive and maladaptive responses observed. Stigma perception was prominent, and social support levels varied, with rural adolescents reporting lower access. Qualitative narratives reinforced quantitative findings, revealing themes of loneliness, academic difficulties, and resilience. The findings underscore the importance of gender-sensitive counseling, stigma reduction, and integration of psychosocial support into adolescent and community health programs. The study contributes to developmental psychology by contextualizing adolescent behavior within socio-cultural realities of rural India.