Psychological resilience among children affected by parental HIV/AIDS: a conceptual framework

Abstract

HIV-related parental illness and death have a profound and lasting impact on a child's psychosocial wellbeing, potentially compromising the child's future. In response to a paucity of theoretical and conceptual discussions regarding the development of resilience among children affected by parental HIV, we proposed a conceptual framework of psychological resilience among children affected by HIV based on critical reviews of the existing theoretical and empirical literature. Three interactive social ecological factors were proposed to promote the resilience processes and attenuate the negative impact of parental HIV on children's psychological development. Internal assets, such as cognitive capacity, motivation to adapt, coping skills, religion/spirituality, and personality, promote resilience processes. Family resources and community resources are two critical contextual factors that facilitate resilience process. Family resources contain smooth transition, functional caregivers, attachment relationship, parenting discipline. Community resources contain teacher support, peer support, adult mentors, and effective school. The implications of the conceptual framework for future research and interventions among children affected by parental HIV were discussed.

A randomized controlled trial of a resilience-based intervention on psychosocial well-being of children affected by HIV/AIDS: Effects at 6- and 12-month follow-up

“…This figure illustrates risk and resilience factors associated with psychological adjustment for children affected by parental HIV/AIDS. Adapted from Li, Chi, Sherr, Cluvery, & Stanton (2015).…”

“…In contrast to a traditional psychopathology model, unique features of a resilience framework include its focus on socio-ecological strength and its capacity for positive adaptation. A resilience approach is also well suited for intervention development given its focus on the increasing socio-ecological supports within a child’s environment (Li et al, 2015; Lin et al, 2016). This paradigm shift results in a transformative approach to cultivating the resilience of children affected by HIV/AIDS.…”

“…A recently proposed framework (Li et al, 2015) delineates the mechanisms of resilience in children’s adaptation to parental HIV/AIDS and identifies protective factors at the individual, family, and community levels (Figure 1). The framework is guided by socio-ecological theories of child development and psychological resilience (Bronfenbrenner, 1979, 1989; Masten, Best, & Garmezy, 1990) and emphasizes malleable individual and contextual factors, with support from family and community theorized to foster development of children’s internal assets (e.g., coping skills, metacognitive skills, etc.…”

Adjustment of a Population of South African Children of Mothers Living With/and Without HIV Through Three Years Post-Birth

“…Depressed mothers tend to have more chaotic family routines and schedules (20). When a mother is depressed, her ability to effectively parent is significantly compromised, reducing children's resiliency (22-26). Children of depressed mothers typically demonstrate higher rates of psychopathology and antisocial behavior (27).…”

Self-Efficacy Mediates the Association between Partner Trust and Condom Usage among Females but not Males in a Kenyan Cohort of Orphan and Vulnerable Youth

“…Psychological resilience is a complex phenomenon that only recently has begun to be explored among OVC in subSaharan Africa 36 . Further research and program evaluation may reveal mechanisms to increase psychological resilience among youth in this population, potentially driving safer partner choices.…”