Department of Social Work

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Adolescents and substance abuse: exploring the effects of substance abuse on care giving and family well-being in Mitchell’s Plain
(University of the Western Cape, 2019) Casker, Riefqah; Dykes, Glynnis
Substance abuse has become a serious global problem affecting individuals, families and communities. The effects of substance abuse devastate both the user and their families. This study aimed to describe the adverse effects that substance abuse has on the levels of care giving and well-being of families. The study explored family members perceptions of the ways in which an adolescent’s substance abuse affects family care giving and well-being. The study was conducted within a qualitative approach in order to gather an in depth understanding of the family’s experiences. Furthermore, the study was aligned with Family Systems and Bowens Family Theories, which served as reference points to allow the researcher to discern how substance abuse influences family roles, dynamics and functioning. The researcher used the case study design which focused on an issue of concern (such as adolescent substance abuse) and thus selected one case to elucidate the issue i.e. a single case study. The case would be the family members of substance abusing adolescents in Mitchells Plain. The population of interest were the parents and siblings of adolescents who abused substances. Purposive sampling was used to select families with participants who had the specific qualities and experiences needed for the study. The study sample consisted of 12 participants, seven parents (mothers) and five siblings. The participants were female which corresponds with literature, as females are perceived as more willing to share and speak about their experiences. Individual semi-structured interviews were used for data collection through the use of interview schedules. Data verification methods ensured credibility (member checking), transferability (using thick, rich descriptions), dependability (an inquiry audit), and confirmability (using researcher reflexivity). The data was analysed in the form of qualitative thematic analysis achieving data reduction by seeking themes, sub-themes and categories of data. Four themes emerged from the findings, namely, (1) parents/sibling reactions to discovering the substance abuse, (2) the effects of substance abuse on the parents/siblings living with a substance abuser, (3) effects on family communication, and (4) measures used to assist the substance abuser. Each theme was further delineated into 12 sub-themes and 23 categories which were based on both predefined and emergent codes. Permission to conduct this study was obtained from the university’s Faculty of Community and Health Sciences Ethics Committee by its Humanities and Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee (HSSREC); and by the Department of Social Development’s Research Ethics Committee. Ethics compliance was assured through confidentiality and privacy, securing and handling of confidential information, and debriefing opportunities to ensure that emotional harm is minimised together with sensitive interviewing techniques.
Adolescents and substance abuse: exploring the effects of substance abuse on care giving and family well-being in Mitchell’s Plain
(University of the Western Cape, 2019) Casker, Riefqah; Dykes, Glynnis
Substance abuse has become a serious global problem affecting individuals, families and communities. The effects of substance abuse devastate both the user and their families. This study aimed to describe the adverse effects that substance abuse has on the levels of care giving and well-being of families. The study explored family members perceptions of the ways in which an adolescent’s substance abuse affects family care giving and well-being. The study was conducted within a qualitative approach in order to gather an in depth understanding of the family’s experiences. Furthermore, the study was aligned with Family Systems and Bowens Family Theories, which served as reference points to allow the researcher to discern how substance abuse influences family roles, dynamics and functioning. The researcher used the case study design which focused on an issue of concern (such as adolescent substance abuse) and thus selected one case to elucidate the issue i.e. a single case study. The case would be the family members of substance abusing adolescents in Mitchells Plain. The population of interest were the parents and siblings of adolescents who abused substances. Purposive sampling was used to select families with participants who had the specific qualities and experiences needed for the study. The study sample consisted of 12 participants, seven parents (mothers) and five siblings. The participants were female which corresponds with literature, as females are perceived as more willing to share and speak about their experiences. Individual semi-structured interviews were used for data collection through the use of interview schedules. Data verification methods ensured credibility (member checking), transferability (using thick, rich descriptions), dependability (an inquiry audit), and confirmability (using researcher reflexivity). The data was analysed in the form of qualitative thematic analysis achieving data reduction by seeking themes, sub-themes and categories of data. Four themes emerged from the findings, namely, (1) parents/sibling reactions to discovering the substance abuse, (2) the effects of substance abuse on the parents/siblings living with a substance abuser, (3) effects on family communication, and (4) measures used to assist the substance abuser. Each theme was further delineated into 12 sub-themes and 23 categories which were based on both predefined and emergent codes. Permission to conduct this study was obtained from the university’s Faculty of Community and Health Sciences Ethics Committee by its Humanities and Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee (HSSREC); and by the Department of Social Development’s Research Ethics Committee. Ethics compliance was assured through confidentiality and privacy, securing and handling of confidential information, and debriefing opportunities to ensure that emotional harm is minimised together with sensitive interviewing techniques.
Adolescents and substance abuse: The effects of substance abuse on parents and siblings
(Taylor & Francis Open Access, 2021) Dykes, Glynnis; Casker, Riefqah
This study aimed to describe the adverse effects that adolescent substance abuse has on the levels of care giving and well-being of families. The researchers used a qualitative case study design which focused on an issue of concern (such as adolescent substance abuse) and thus selected one case to elucidate the issue, i.e., a single case study. The case would be the family members of substance abusing adolescents in Mitchells Plain, a township in Cape Town, as an exemplar for the study. Purposive sampling was used to select 12 participants, seven parents (mothers) and five siblings. Individual semi-structured interviews were utilized for data collection through the use of interview schedules. The data were analysed in the form of qualitative thematic analysis where four themes emerged, which focused on the various effects (for example, financial, physical, emotional, and distrust) on family well-being resulting from living with a substance-abusing adolescent.
The challenges of cohabiting families with regard to discipline of adolescents
(University of Western Cape, 2013) Bere, Gamuchirai; De Jager, M.
Cohabitation families have become a widely accepted and increasing form of family structure nowadays. However this family structure’s characteristics have caused it to be described as a risk factor to child development as it is associated it with negative child outcomes especially during the adolescence period. The adolescence stage itself has been described by literature as a unique human development stage coupled with a variety of physical, cognitive, social and emotional changes, making it a vulnerable stage characterised by experimenting with risk behaviours. Therefore the aim of this study was to explore and describe the challenges of cohabiting families with regard to discipline of the adolescents. An explorative and descriptive research design grounded in a qualitative research approach was used. Two set of data, namely (a) cohabiting biological parents, and (b) adolescent children living in cohabiting families, were collected for a better understanding of the situation. The population for the study encompassed all cohabiting parents and their adolescent children living in the city of Cape Town, and research participants were purposively selected from the caseload of Cape Town Child Welfare. Data was collected by means of individual interviews with the aid of an interview guide. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and field notes were taken. Data analysis was conducted according to Tesch (in Creswell 2009), and ethical considerations, such as confidentiality, voluntary participation, informed consent from parents and informed assent from adolescents, as well as no harm to participants, were adhered to. Most participants identified with cohabiting step-parent families. The reported challenges affecting discipline of adolescent children stemmed from poor parent-child relationships, ambiguous step-family roles, negative family communication patterns, and the applied disciplinary methods in cohabiting families. With consultation from some of the suggestions put forward by all the participants, the researcher concluded the study with recommendations for social workers working with cohabiting families.
The challenges of cohabiting families with regard to discipline of adolescents
(University of Western Cape, 2013) Bere, Gamuchirai; De Jager, M.
Cohabitation families have become a widely accepted and increasing form of family structure nowadays. However this family structure’s characteristics have caused it to be described as a risk factor to child development as it is associated it with negative child outcomes especially during the adolescence period. The adolescence stage itself has been described by literature as a unique human development stage coupled with a variety of physical, cognitive, social and emotional changes, making it a vulnerable stage characterised by experimenting with risk behaviours. Therefore the aim of this study was to explore and describe the challenges of cohabiting families with regard to discipline of the adolescents. An explorative and descriptive research design grounded in a qualitative research approach was used. Two set of data, namely (a) cohabiting biological parents, and (b) adolescent children living in cohabiting families, were collected for a better understanding of the situation. The population for the study encompassed all cohabiting parents and their adolescent children living in the city of Cape Town, and research participants were purposively selected from the caseload of Cape Town Child Welfare. Data was collected by means of individual interviews with the aid of an interview guide. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and field notes were taken. Data analysis was conducted according to Tesch (in Creswell 2009), and ethical considerations, such as confidentiality, voluntary participation, informed consent from parents and informed assent from adolescents, as well as no harm to participants, were adhered to. Most participants identified with cohabiting step-parent families. The reported challenges affecting discipline of adolescent children stemmed from poor parent-child relationships, ambiguous step-family roles, negative family communication patterns, and the applied disciplinary methods in cohabiting families. With consultation from some of the suggestions put forward by all the participants, the researcher concluded the study with recommendations for social workers working with cohabiting families.
Child in Africa : Opportunities and Challenges
(Nova, 2016) Davids, Eugene Lee; Roman, Nicolette Vanessa; Leach, Lloyd
The study aimed to establish the perceived parenting styles, decision making styles and engagement in healthy lifestyle behaviours of male and female learners in secondary schools in the Western Cape, South Africa. A cross-sectional comparative design was implemented. The sample consisted of 457 Grade 9 learners from the Overberg Educational District. The mean age for the sample was 16 years (SD= 1.45), made up of more female (53.8%) than male (46.2%) participants. Both descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were used. When testing for differences between male and female learners using MANOVA, no significant main effects were found. The findings, therefore, suggest that authoritative parenting, vigilant decision making and frequent engagement in healthy lifestyle behaviours were the most prevalent behaviours amongst male and female learners.
A comparison of the relationship between parental efficacy and social support systems of single teen mothers across different family forms
(University of the Western Cape, 2017) Coert, Samantha Lee; Roman, Nicolette V.; Rich, E.
Teenage parenting is recognised as one of the greatest health and social problems in South Africa. Research in South Africa has shown that by the age of 18 years, more than 30% of teens have given birth at least once. Teen mothers may feel disempowered because they are ‘othered’ and consequently, may develop forms of resistance which in most cases may inhibit their ability to parent. Social support is therefore, an imperative intervention for successful teen parenting. Bronfenbrenner’s bio-ecological systems theory proposes that social support could be considered to reside within the microsystem of the model if the developing person is the teen mother. The aim of this study was to compare social support of different family forms and establish whether a relationship between single teen mothers’ parental efficacy and social support exists across the different family forms. This study used a quantitative methodology with a cross-sectional comparative correlation design. The sample consisted of N = 160 single teen mothers who reside with her family for a period of one year or is currently residing with her family or members thereof, in low socio-economic communities. The participants completed a self-report questionnaire that comprised of the Social Provisions Scale (SPS), and the Parenting Sense of Competence (PSOC) scale. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation were used to investigate the data. Outcomes of the study indicated that a significant positive relationship between social support and parental efficacy existed. These findings are important for planning and applying parenting programmes amongst single teen mothers and facilitating awareness regarding the importance of social support and family forms when considering parenting practices.
A comparison of the relationship between parental efficacy and social support systems of single teen mothers across different family forms
(University of the Western Cape, 2017) Coert, Samantha Lee; Roman, Nicolette V.; Rich, E.
Teenage parenting is recognised as one of the greatest health and social problems in South Africa. Research in South Africa has shown that by the age of 18 years, more than 30% of teens have given birth at least once. Teen mothers may feel disempowered because they are ‘othered’ and consequently, may develop forms of resistance which in most cases may inhibit their ability to parent. Social support is therefore, an imperative intervention for successful teen parenting. Bronfenbrenner’s bio-ecological systems theory proposes that social support could be considered to reside within the microsystem of the model if the developing person is the teen mother. The aim of this study was to compare social support of different family forms and establish whether a relationship between single teen mothers’ parental efficacy and social support exists across the different family forms. This study used a quantitative methodology with a cross-sectional comparative correlation design. The sample consisted of N = 160 single teen mothers who reside with her family for a period of one year or is currently residing with her family or members thereof, in low socio-economic communities. The participants completed a self-report questionnaire that comprised of the Social Provisions Scale (SPS), and the Parenting Sense of Competence (PSOC) scale. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation were used to investigate the data. Outcomes of the study indicated that a significant positive relationship between social support and parental efficacy existed. These findings are important for planning and applying parenting programmes amongst single teen mothers and facilitating awareness regarding the importance of social support and family forms when considering parenting practices.
Does family structure matter? A comparison of the goals and aspirations of learners in secondary school
(University of the Western Cape, 2012) Davids, Eugene Lee; Roman, Nicolette
Self Determination Theory (SDT) proposes that individuals are motivated to have goals and aspirations which are either intrinsic or extrinsic in nature. Intrinsic life goals are associated with greater psychological health and well-being. Research shows that family structure plays a role in the way children are raised and has implications for later adult adjustment. In South Africa 42.8% of children are raised in a single parent household. This study aimed to compare the goals and aspirations of learners from single and married parent households. The study used a quantitative methodology with a cross-sectional comparative research design. The sample consisted of 853 Grade 11 learners from schools in the Northern, Southern and Metro Central Education Districts in the Western Cape. The data was collected using a selfreport questionnaire that consisted of two sections, demographical information and the Aspirations Index. The Aspirations Index assessed the life goals of the learners and categorised the goals and aspirations into intrinsic and extrinsic life goals. The data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences V20 (SPSS). The results suggest that there was a significant main effect of family structure on certain goals and aspirations of Grade 11 learners in secondary schools. These goals and aspirations included wealth, image, personal growth, relationships and health. Furthermore, participants from single parent households placed more emphasis on intrinsic goals than participants from married parent.
Does family structure matter? A comparison of the goals and aspirations of learners in secondary school
(University of the Western Cape, 2012) Davids, Eugene Lee; Roman, Nicolette
Self Determination Theory (SDT) proposes that individuals are motivated to have goals and aspirations which are either intrinsic or extrinsic in nature. Intrinsic life goals are associated with greater psychological health and well-being. Research shows that family structure plays a role in the way children are raised and has implications for later adult adjustment. In South Africa 42.8% of children are raised in a single parent household. This study aimed to compare the goals and aspirations of learners from single and married parent households. The study used a quantitative methodology with a cross-sectional comparative research design. The sample consisted of 853 Grade 11 learners from schools in the Northern, Southern and Metro Central Education Districts in the Western Cape. The data was collected using a selfreport questionnaire that consisted of two sections, demographical information and the Aspirations Index. The Aspirations Index assessed the life goals of the learners and categorised the goals and aspirations into intrinsic and extrinsic life goals. The data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences V20 (SPSS). The results suggest that there was a significant main effect of family structure on certain goals and aspirations of Grade 11 learners in secondary schools. These goals and aspirations included wealth, image, personal growth, relationships and health. Furthermore, participants from single parent households placed more emphasis on intrinsic goals than participants from married parent.
dolescents in a rural community’s perceptions, experiences and challenges concerning parental involvement during late adolescence
(University of Western Cape, 2020) Isaacs, Lynn-Joy; Erasmus, C. J.; Moodley, C.
Parental involvement during late adolescence has been confirmed by scholars as a major determinant in fostering the educational and psychosocial outcomes in the life trajectory of an individual. Certain bodies of literature, however, argue that parental involvement declines dramatically during adolescence, while others insist that parents merely employ more developmentally appropriate forms of involvement. Western-based parental involvement frameworks – while useful – have not sufficiently captured the contextualised perceptions, experiences and challenges of late adolescents in rural South Africa.
The effect of family functioning and basic need satisfaction on decision-making styles of adolescents: a rural South African sample
(University of the Western Cape, 2014) Roman, Nicolette V.
Families are complex and diverse, but essentially are the cornerstone of society. There is very limited research regarding the role family functioning and basic psychological needs play in the decision-making styles of adolescents. This is the first known study to be conducted with these variables within a rural community. This study therefore aims to examine the relationship between the variables under study.
The effect of parental involvement on the identity styles of adolescents
(University of the Western Cape, 2018) Harker-van Heerden, Marsha; Roman, Nicolette V.; Davids, Eugene Lee
Adolescence is a phase when youth engage in risk-taking behaviour, which could result in poor physical and psychological adjustment. Risk behaviour is a result of poor decision- making. Decision-making is associated with exploration and commitment, also referred to as identity styles. During the phase of developing an identity style, parenting is challenging; however, research reveals that parental involvement, as well as a more positive approaches to parenting, have been observed to influence child behaviour and outcomes. For parenting and identity styles, this is not very clear. Therefore, the aim of this current study was to assess the effect of parental involvement on the identity styles of adolescents. The study employed a quantitative, cross-sectional, correlational research design. The respondents were conveniently sampled. The final sample was Grade 10 learners in the Metro East Education District, with a mean age of 16.01 (SD=1.04). Data were collected through a self-reported questionnaire, which comprised three parts: demographic details of participants, Parent Involvement Mechanisms Measure, and Identity Styles Scale. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The results revealed that informational identity style was the most prevalent identity style, which was significantly and positively predicted, with 18% of variance. For mothers, maternal modelling and maternal instruction significantly predicted the informational style. For fathers, paternal reinforcement significantly and positively predicted commitment style, with 14% of variance. Recommendations are provided based on the findings of this current study.
The effects of parental monitoring and communication on adolescent substance use and risky sexual activity: A systematic review
(Bentham Open, 2015) Rayn, Jill; Roman, Nicolette V.; Okwany, Auma
AIM: The aim of the systematic study was to determine the effect of parenting practices on adolescent risk behaviours such as substance use and sexual risk behaviour. METHOD: Quantitative research studies were systematically collected from various databases such as Academic Search Complete, MEDLINE (Pubmed), JSTOR, Project Muse and SAGE for the duration of 2003-2013 which was within the 10 year period of relevant literature to the date of study. RESULTS: Findings established that parental monitoring and communication prevented drug initiation, delayed alcohol initiation, and sexual debut, increased alcohol refusal efficacy, and decreased delinquent behaviour and risk taking behaviours in high risk adolescents. CONCLUSION: This review shows that parental practices play significant protective and promotive roles in managing adolescent risk behaviours.
The effects of the LEQ’s life skills domains as it relates to the engagement in health risk behaviour among grade 8 learners in a selected high school in Paarl
(University of the Western Cape, 2018) Marais, Janene Elizabeth; Pharaoh, Hamilton
Adolescence can be understood as the transitional period between childhood and adulthood. During adolescence individuals tend to experiment and discover who they are in terms of their unique social identity and are more susceptible to health risk behaviour engagement. Health risk behaviour place individuals at risk for numerous health complications. The most common forms of health risk behaviours are smoking, drinking, illicit drug use, risky sexual behaviour, violence and physical inactivity. Life skills development has been proven to reduce many health risk behaviours in adolescents. The Life Effectiveness Questionnaire (LEQ) is a psychometric instrument which has been developed to measure life skills. Social Cognitive Theory posits that people are not driven by inner forces nor are they controlled by external stimuli, rather there is a reciprocal triadic relationship where the environment, cognition and personal factors influences learning through observation. When in the presence of their peers, adolescents are more likely to engage in health risk behaviour because of peer influence and immediate rewards. This study aimed to study the effects of the LEQs life skills domains as it relates to the engagement in health risk behaviour among Grade 8 learners in a selected high school in Paarl. This study used a quantitative methodology with a cross-sectional design employing written surveys. The sample consisted of 104 Grade 8 learners. The data was collected using self-reported questionnaires. One was the LEQ (Appendix 5 and 6) which measures life skills and the other was the Youth Risk Behaviour Surveillance Survey (YRBSS) (Appendix 7) which measures the prevalence of health risk behaviour engagement. The data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences V24 (SPSS). The results suggested that there is still a high prevalence of health risk behaviour engagement among Grade 8 learners with increases evident in some of the health risk behaviours.
The experience of adolescents and parents after divorce finalisation (post-divorce) and the effects on adolescent psychosocial development
(University of the Western Cape, 2019) Ward, Maxine; Glynnis, Dykes
Divorce is a world-wide phenomenon. Divorce means the ending of a marriage after a period of unity and bonding; and thus it can take a long time to recover emotionally, particularly for children. Concerningly, half of marriages ends in divorce. Studies found that divorce has an effect on the well-being, behaviour and actions of both adults and children. Children’s lives change irrevocably and it can be contributed to the parents’ separation or divorce. The manner in which children respond emotionally and psychologically to divorce is dependent on their age, and this event could be both confusing and traumatising. The adolescent stage is viewed as the most vulnerable stage of development, where identity is the primary focus; and thus these children are most severely impacted by their parents’ divorce. There was a dearth of studies on the effects of divorce on adolescents after the divorce finalisation, known as post-divorce phase, and thus no clear interventions.
The experience of adolescents and parents after divorce finalisation (post-divorce) and the effects on adolescent psychosocial development
(University of the Western Cape, 2019) Ward, Maxine; Glynnis, Dykes
Divorce is a world-wide phenomenon. Divorce means the ending of a marriage after a period of unity and bonding; and thus it can take a long time to recover emotionally, particularly for children. Concerningly, half of marriages ends in divorce. Studies found that divorce has an effect on the well-being, behaviour and actions of both adults and children. Children’s lives change irrevocably and it can be contributed to the parents’ separation or divorce. The manner in which children respond emotionally and psychologically to divorce is dependent on their age, and this event could be both confusing and traumatising. The adolescent stage is viewed as the most vulnerable stage of development, where identity is the primary focus; and thus these children are most severely impacted by their parents’ divorce. There was a dearth of studies on the effects of divorce on adolescents after the divorce finalisation, known as post-divorce phase, and thus no clear interventions.
The experience of adolescents living in households with mothers who are HIV/Aids positive
(University of the Western Cape, 2009) Tsweleng, Mmapula Petunia; Roman, Nicolette; NULL; Faculty of Community and Health Sciences
South Africa is reported to have the highest prevalence of HIV/AIDS infections in Sub-Saharan Africa. As a result the quality of life of families living with HIV/AIDS is negatively affected. Literature indicates that the majority of affected persons are young children and adolescents whose siblings or parents are infected with HIV/AIDS. Most affected adolescents are reported to have difficult social lives due to their parent's illness, difficult financial situations at home, stigma and discrimination within the society. The study attempts to explore the experiences of adolescents in households where the mother is HIV/AIDS positive. This research project is an exploratory study using a narrative approach within a qualitative methodological design. The study was conducted with 6 Xhosa-speaking adolescent boys (2) and girls (4) aged 12 to 15 years. An open-ended interview schedule was used to prompt participants to tell their stories. Data was collected by means of a voice recorder in order for adolescents to tell their stories. The responses were transcribed verbatim, translated and verified with the participants. The data were analysed by means of narrative analysis. The results indicate that most adolescent participants were coping with the mother being HIV/AIDS positive and maintained hope for their futures. Adolescents were coping due to support from friends and relatives. Some adolescents experienced rejection and discrimination. The biggest challenge in the home was due to socioeconomic status. The study is intended to benefit the community in terms of making recommendations to social workers at NGO's and the government sectors in terms of strengthening the existing support programmes in the community.
The experience of adolescents living in households with mothers who are HIV/Aids positive
(University of the Western Cape, 2009) Tsweleng, Mmapula Petunia; Roman, Nicolette; NULL; Faculty of Community and Health Sciences
South Africa is reported to have the highest prevalence of HIV/AIDS infections in Sub-Saharan Africa. As a result the quality of life of families living with HIV/AIDS is negatively affected. Literature indicates that the majority of affected persons are young children and adolescents whose siblings or parents are infected with HIV/AIDS. Most affected adolescents are reported to have difficult social lives due to their parent's illness, difficult financial situations at home, stigma and discrimination within the society. The study attempts to explore the experiences of adolescents in households where the mother is HIV/AIDS positive. This research project is an exploratory study using a narrative approach within a qualitative methodological design. The study was conducted with 6 Xhosa-speaking adolescent boys (2) and girls (4) aged 12 to 15 years. An open-ended interview schedule was used to prompt participants to tell their stories. Data was collected by means of a voice recorder in order for adolescents to tell their stories. The responses were transcribed verbatim, translated and verified with the participants. The data were analysed by means of narrative analysis. The results indicate that most adolescent participants were coping with the mother being HIV/AIDS positive and maintained hope for their futures. Adolescents were coping due to support from friends and relatives. Some adolescents experienced rejection and discrimination. The biggest challenge in the home was due to socioeconomic status. The study is intended to benefit the community in terms of making recommendations to social workers at NGO's and the government sectors in terms of strengthening the existing support programmes in the community.
An explorative study of the experience of adolescents who have lost their parents through HIV/AIDS
(2010) Somtsewu, Nomsa Winniefred; Roman, Nicolette
AIDS related deaths of parents have resulted in children being orphaned, in large numbers. Adolescence is a particularly vulnerable period in a child’s developmental life.It is a period charactarised by uncertainties, role confusion and identity crises. This stage becomes even more complex when adolescents loose their parents through AIDS. This thesis is an explorative study to understand the experience of adolescent who have lost their parents through HIV/AIDS. This study was theoretically located within a phenomenological framework. The participants were recruited from the foster care project of Ikamva Labantu in Gugulethu. The participants were adolescents aged from 14- 17 years old. They were purposively selected to participate in this study. The study was conducted within a qualitative research design, and underpinned by an interpretative framework. Data was collected by means of in-depth interviews with the aid of an interview guide, and observations. This study identified seven themes. Three themes share the experience prior to parental death and the four express the experience after parental death. The research findings led to the conclusion that adolescents struggle with a myriad challenges such as discrimination, stigmatisation, caring for siblings and having to deal with the death of parents often without the necessary support. The conclusions drawn and the recommendations made will contribute to knowledge that will support social workers and other professionals working with AIDS orphaned adolescents, in understanding their experiences.