Abstract
Abstract : Background: A number of children in South Africa grow up without one or both biological parents. The resilience of these children is threatened since they are exposed to many risks that interfere with their development. In other words, parental mortality limits the resources and capacities of families to create environments that enable children to develop well. Little is known about the processes that enable these orphaned children to cope resiliently. Aims: The major aim of this study was to establish the role which secure attachment plays in promoting resilience among orphan children (n=20; 8 black males and 12 black females). The sampling procedure used was a non-probability sampling called purposive sampling. In this type of sampling only elements that are relevant to the research purpose are included in the sample. Method: Three data collection methods were used. First, individual interviews were used to collect verbal data from the orphaned children. Secondly, focus group interviews were utilised to elicit more data from orphaned children who did not participate in the individual interviews. The individual interviews and focus group interviews were coded and grouped. Finally, the drawandwrite technique was used to collect more data. The participants were asked to make drawings of what enabled them to cope resiliently and to write short narratives explaining their drawings. The drawings were grouped according to major themes. Data Analysis: A content analysis of the drawings and narratives was also conducted. Three major themes emerged from the data, namely, spirituality, religion and faith; connection to others ( caregiver, social worker, peers, family members, pastors and teachers) and individual strengths (having a sense of humour, perseverance, having a sense of independence, having future hopes and dreams. These findings have implications for theory and practice. It is important to incorporate programmes into school curricula to provide these children with strategies and skills to deal with adversity. Also, clear policies at all iv levels of education be part in place in order to guide the teachers in South Africa by providing adequate support to the orphans.
M.Ed. (Educational Psychology)