Abstract:
In this case study, we utilized a Resilience framework and Sense of Coherence theory to understand how a group of children
coped while living in an institution as a consequence of HIV/AIDS. We followed a qualitative and interpretivist approach. The
experiences of nine children (5 girls and 4 boys) aged between 11 and 15 years is highlighted. The primary data generation
strategy was informal interviews. However, we based these interviews upon participatory task-based and multimodal
activities incorporating visual (drawings, pictures), auditory (stories, conversation), tactile (clay modeling) and kinaesthetic
(role play) activities to stimulate conversation and discussion. All interviews were voice recorded and the contents thereof,
thematically analysed. Children living in this institution use the following intrapersonal coping strategies: a sense of spiritual
connectedness, disengagement (fantasy, denial and detachment), and positive intrapersonal characteristics. Intrapersonal
sources of resilience help children to establish meaningfulness and comprehensibility in their lives on a continuum of
engagement or disengagement. They use spiritual connectedness and socially responsible behaviour to engage and
fantasy, denial and detachment to disengage.
