Resilience among children exposed to traumatic loss : a study of children orphaned by AIDS in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Abstract

Objective: While traumatic parental loss presents an undeniable risk factor for maladaptive outcomes, some groups of children appear to manifest successful adaptation and do not follow a negative developmental pathway. The purpose of the present study was to test to what degree children orphaned by AIDS demonstrate resilience. Method: The self-report version of the strengths and difficulties questionnaire for children age ranging from 11-16 (SDQ S11-16), and a background information inventory were filled in by 148 children orphaned by AIDS. The participants were recruited from two elementary and junior high schools namely, Addis Hiwot (New Life) Community School and Ketchenie Junior High Schools. Results: The majority of children showed resilience measured by their scores on emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity, and prosocial behaviors and total difficulties scores. Boys showed higher emotional resilience. Younger children were found to be more resilient than older children. Paternal orphans were more resilient than maternal and double orphans. Securing good support from immediate caregivers was significantly related to scores within the normal range on emotional symptoms, hyperactivity, peer problems, prosocial behavior and total difficulties. Warm relationships promote resilience among children exposed to trauma. The present study indicated that friendships were central to resilience among children exposed to trauma. Being liked by friends was a significant factor for emotionalstability and lower scores on the level of hyperactivity and total difficulties. Having a very good relationship with other children was significantly related to lower score on emotional symptoms, peer problems and total difficulties implying higher rate of resilience. Having one or more good friends was significantly related to lower scores on peer problems and total difficulties. Conclusion: This study has brought to light that Ethiopian children orphaned by AIDS demonstrate resilience if they have the right peer and familial social dynamics.

Key words: resilience, trauma, parental loss, AIDS orphans, SDQ.