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All stages are important in a person´s life, whether it is infancy, childhood, adolescence or adulthood, but arguably the most sensitive stage is adolescence; which starts at around 13 and ends at approximately 19 years. It is the stage when the urge of life reaches its highest peak.
Accidents, Natural death and conflicts are creating generations of orphaned children. In addition the loss of a parent, orphaned children may face many hardships during their adolescence including decline in health, nutrition and psychological wellbeing. The number of children estimated to be orphaned due to all causes is estimated to be between 143 million and 210 million (UNICEF, 2012). Children and adolescents in particular are at increased risk for unresolved or complicated bereavement because of their development, vulnerability and emotional dependency.
The purpose of the present investigation was to examine the differences in self-concept, mental health and academic achievement of orphan and non-orphan adolescents. The study adds to the existing literature and will become a guideline for researchers, educators, administrators and counselors to guide the students in a proper way and to frame the suitable educational environment where the adolescents can be accommodated and their self-concept, mental health and academic achievement may improve.

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Ms Aasia Maqbool is presently an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Education, University of Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir, India. She received her education from University of Kashmir and pursued her Pre-doctorate Degree from the same University. She qualified NET and SET in the discipline of Education. Alongside teaching, she is a resource person of the Directorate of Distance Education, University of Kashmir and IGNOU-RC Srinagar. She has a large number of publications to her credit. The author has delivered numerous of lectures in different institutions at a higher level. The author has attended several workshops, seminars and conferences in her field.
Dr. Mohammad Yousuf Ganai was born in Onagam village in the District Bandipora of Jammu and Kashmir in the state of India. He received his early education in a nearby primary school and pursued his Master of Education degree from University of Kashmir. From the same university he also got master´s degree in History, besides an M.Phill and Ph.D in Education. He started his carrier as Assistant Professor in Department of Education, University of Kashmir. Presently he is working Associate Professor in the same university. Dr.Mohammad Yousuf has guided number of M.Phill students and Ph.D students to their graduation. He is the author of 5 books and has 60 research papers to his credit, which were published both at national and international journals. Alongside this, he is a resource person for numerous educational institutions. He has delivered several extension lectures in various Teacher Training colleges. Dr. Mohammad Yousuf has attended multiple workshops, seminars and conferences in his field of study.

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