Abstract:
This study, aimed at analysing the methods used by caregivers to construct their own
resilience at a residential care facility for orphaned and vulnerable children, forms part of a
larger study investigating the role of emotional awareness in caregivers. Convenience
selection was used for the research site on account of accessibility, and purposive selection for
the participants owing to their role as caregivers at the care facility. The qualitative case study
method facilitated contextual investigation of the matter at hand. Data were collected by
means of a focus group discussion with seven participants, individual interviews with four
participants, and the researcher’s informal observations in order to elucidate the main research
question: How do formal caregivers of orphaned and vulnerable children construct their own
resilience? Kumpfer’s Resilience Framework served as the theoretical foundation for the
study. Thematic analysis of the data yielded the following themes: demonstrating resilience
when functioning within an unsupportive environment; demonstrating resilience when
establishing a sense of control; demonstrating resilience through belief; and resilience born
out of identity as a caregiver. Results were related to existing literature and the theoretical
framework. Furthermore, a conceptual framework for the South African context is suggested.
