The Psychosocial Adjustment Of Children Orphaned By AIDS

Abstract

This paper reviews the current state of knowledge regarding the psychosocial adjustment of AIDS orphans—the uninfected children whose mothers and/or fathers die of AIDS. It draws on published and unpublished research and clinical reports from the USA and Africa involving children and adolescents who have a parent who is HIV-seropositive, has AIDS, or has died of the disease. The review begins by identifying the stressors which commonly face AIDS orphans both before and after the death of their parent, and the likely psychological impact of these adversities. It then proceeds to examine empirical evidence that more directly addresses the question of whether AIDS orphans are at risk for experiencing psychosocial adjustment difficulties, and discusses factors that might mediate or moderate children's adjustment to the AIDS-related death of their parent. Finally, it makes recommendations for future research.