Perceived social support in relation to psychosocial distress and hope among hiv/aids orphans and non-hiv/aids orphans

Abstract

The present study examined the relationship between Perceived Social Support (PSS), Psychosocial Distress and Hope among HIV/AIDS orphans and non-HIV/AIDS orphans. The sample of the study consisted of 236 orphans, (116 HIV/AIDS orphans and 120 non-HIV/AIDS orphans) living in north Indian orphanages. The mean age of HIV/AIDS orphans was 11.98 years and SD 1.97 years, while the mean age of non-HIV/AIDS orphans was 11.78 years, and SD 1.64 years. The tools employed for the present study were PSS Scale for children, Psychosocial Distress Scale for children and Hope Scale for children. Results indicated that PSS from friends, teachers and family significantly and negatively correlated with psychosocial distress and significantly and positively correlated with hope. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that PSS from friends and family significantly contributes to variance in psychosocial distress and hope for the HIV/AIDS orphans. PSS plays a protective role in dealing with psychosocial outcomes of HIV/AIDS orphans. Strong perception of support from caretakers, siblings, school teachers, school principal, friends, and others may reduce the deleterious effects of exposure to illness, psychosocial distress and increase hope among HIV/AIDS orphans and non-HIV/AIDS orphans. © Journal of the Indian Academy of Applied Psychology.