Abstract
Ph.D.
This research aimed to compare the levels of anxiety and depression in orphaned and non-orphaned children. The study was conducted employing a sequential explanatory mixed method approach including three phases. In phase 1 a quantitative design was employed using the Beck Youth Inventory (BYI-II) to measure and compare the levels of anxiety and depression in orphaned and non-orphaned children. The orphaned children were categorized as single and double orphans. The participants were randomly selected and included 150 learners in the foundation phase and their parents/guardians. Phase 2 was qualitative in nature. In this phase learners, parents/guardians and teachers were purposely selected to gather information that aimed to enquire and explore the risk factors related to anxiety and depression in the non-orphaned and orphaned children, including single and double orphaned children.
The quantitative results indicated that in comparison to non-orphaned children, the orphaned children significantly experienced higher levels of anxiety and depression. Further investigations indicated that there was no significant difference in the levels of anxiety and depression experienced by single and double orphaned children. During the second phase of the study, the risk factors that emerged were categorized in the domains of physical, psychological, social, cognitive, behavioural, moral and spiritual development. In addition, a lack of resources and coping skills also emerged as risk factors for the presence of anxiety and depression in orphaned children.
Phase 3 included an integrated discussion of the quantitative and qualitative findings. This phase contained the provision of guidelines and the development of worksheets that would assist the Educational Psychologist to provide support to orphaned children who are experiencing high levels of anxiety and depression. The study contributed towards a direct benefit for the participants in creating knowledge preventing the emergence of anxiety and depression in orphaned children.