Psychological effects of orphans affected and infected by HIV/AIDS : a study done in Meyerton, South Gauteng

Date
2013-03
Authors
Stimela, Julia Zanele
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The research aimed at assessing the psychological effects of orphans affected and infected by HIV/AIDS. The children concerned had either lost both or one parent. They were residing with their guardians. The children interviewed were beneficiaries of AGAPE LERATO COMMUNITY SERVICES and they received psychosocial support. The research recognizes what government and other stakeholders have done to assist orphans and vulnerable children however little or none is being done on the psychological side of the children. The researcher interviewed 11 children who are orphans between the ages of 9 and 16. The study defines what an orphan is and what psychological effects of orphans are. The study looked at the impact of HIV/AIDS on orphans. It revealed that some of the psychological effects which are related to trauma actually begins when the parents are sick and continues when the parents have actually died. The psychological effects manifest themselves in forms of behavior such as aggressiveness, anger and headaches. It is being recommended that resources should be allocated to cater for the psychological needs of the orphans. Training is also recommended for caregivers in order to deal with psychological issues.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van hierdie studie was die bepaling van die sielkundige invloed wat MIV/Vigs op weeskinders het. Die kinders wat vir die studie gebruik is word deur pleegouers versorg en word ondersteun deur die AGAPAE LERATO COMMUNITY SERVICE. Die kinders kry ook sielkundige ondersteuning van hierdie gemeenskapsorganisasie. Die studie het bevind dat die trauma waaraan die kinders blootgestel word baie hoog is en dat dit reeds begin wanneer die siekte by ouers gediagnoseer word en dat dit aanhou tot na die dood van die ouers. Die sielkundige invloed van die MIV-verwante siektes van die ouers op die kinders manisfesteer op verskillende maniere en lei tot gedrag soos aggressie en haat en psigosomatiese probleme soos aanhoudende hoofpyn. Daar word voorgestel dat hulpbronne as 'n saak van dringendheid beskikbaar gemaak moet word vir die versorging van hierdie kinders en dat daar spesifiek voorsiening gemaak moet word vir meganismes wat kan omsien na die sielkundige behoeftes van hierdie weeskinders. Daar word ook voorgestel dat spesifieke opleidingsprogrammme ontwikkel moet word vir die versorgers van hierdie kinders en dat versorgers spesifiek toegerus moet word om aan die sielkundige probleme van hierdie kinders aandag te gee.
Description
Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2013.
Keywords
Dissertations -- Industrial psychology, Theses -- Industrial psychology, Assignments -- Industrial psychology, Dissertations -- HIV/AIDS management, Theses -- HIV/AIDS management, Assignments -- HIV/AIDS management, Orphans -- South Africa -- Meyerton -- Psychology, AIDS (disease) in children -- Psychological aspects -- South Africa -- Meyerton, Orphans -- Services for -- South Africa -- Meyerton
Citation