Paper Title
The Role of Social Support Networks in the Mental Health of Orphaned Children: A Review
Abstract
Orphaned children face unique psychological challenges due to the lack of parental support, which can greatly affect their emotional health and development. Social support systems, including institutional care, peer relationships, community involvement, and professional help, are essential in reducing these negative impacts and building resilience. A thorough review of published empirical studies from PubMed, PsycINFO databases, online publications of several organizations, web searches, and several online journals related to Role of social support networks in the Psychological well being of orphans have been reviewed. This review explores how different types of social support can improve the mental health of orphaned children. It looks at how these support systems affect their ability to manage emotions, build self-esteem, and improve their overall psychological well-being. The review also highlights the difficulties faced in institutional care, such as inconsistent support and lack of personalized attention, and emphasizes the need for community-based and culturally appropriate interventions. Finally, it discusses the importance of professional mental health services and suggests future research directions to improve social support for orphaned children. Strengthening these support networks is crucial for improving the mental well-being of this vulnerable group.
Keywords - Social Support, Orphans, Well-Being