The role of social support on resilience, posttraumatic growth, hopelessness, and depression among children of HIV-infected parents in mainland China

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) has a profound impact not only on the infected individuals, but also on their families. Children of the HIV-infected parents are particularly affected. The present study examined the relationship between social support, resilience, posttraumatic growth (PTG), hopelessness, and depression among 195 children of HIV-infected parents in mainland China. Results showed that 35.4% of the sample scored above the cutoff of the Children's Depression Inventory. Results from structural equation modeling reported that social support had a significant positive relationship with resilience and PTG. Higher levels of resilience and PTG were associated with lower level of hopelessness which in turn, was associated with lower level of depression. The overall model achieved satisfactory fit. Interventions are needed to improve social support of the children affected by HIV so as to improve their mental health.

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

“…Participating children reported more positive growth, a greater capacity to handle difficulties, and an increased appreciation for life. This link between peer support and posttraumatic growth has been found previously among Chinese children affected by HIV/AIDS (Mo, Lau, Yu, & Gu, 2014), and may reflect the power of social support and connectedness to bring about feelings of positive growth despite the hardships of parental HIV/AIDS.…”

Resilience Amongst Children Living With Hiv: Voices of Foster Parents Residing in Bhambayi, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa

“…The majority of the participants spoke about being grateful for the various health and social service professionals who visited weekly to assist children in building relationships with other children in their local community and who provided psychosocial support for children. This finding corroborates the findings of a study undertaken in rural China with 195 HIV-infected children, who were also diagnosed with depression, that social networks and support systems in communities correlates with higher levels of resilience amongst children (Mo, Lau, Yu & Gu, 2014). …”

Unpacking the Influence of Sexual Stigma on HIV Risk: Results From a Prospective Study of Men Who Have Sex With Men in Beijing, China

“…36 Numerous other studies have documented the mental health benefits of having support from family and friends. 13,29,37–39 Our analyses complicate this understanding by highlighting the differing effects of coping on HIV risk. For Chinese MSM, avoidant coping contributes to social isolation, which may protect against disease transmission.…”