Parental loss and hope among orphaned children in South Africa: A pilot study

In this pilot study, the Children's Hope Scale was used for the first time in Africa to compare hope levels among a sample of 41 orphans and 40 non-orphans, aged 8–16 years, in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Contrary to results suggested by other regional data and their own hypothesis, authors found that orphaned children reported slightly higher levels of agency thinking overall, with more pronounced differences between orphan girls and their non-orphan counterparts. A possible explanation may be found in the diverse set of individuals that orphans access for support. Policy and practice implications are discussed in the context of sub-Saharan Africa.