Social support as a protective factor for children impacted by HIV/AIDS across varying living environments in southern Africa

This study investigated the role of social support and attachment on positive wellbeing among OVC.  Children’s well-being was assessed using the Psycho-Social Adjustment Scale-Adolescents.  Findings suggest that children who do not share their feelings had significantly lower measures of positive wellbeing.  Whether in a home or an institution, the relationship of the child to a trusted adult was strongly associated with children sharing their feelings, having lower incidence of hunger, reduced suicide ideation and lower witness of violence.  Social support, particularly in the form of strengthening adult attachments, is necessary for healthy psychological wellbeing of OVC.