Psychosocial Experiences of Orphaned Children in Households in Bunia City

This exploratory qualitative study investigated the psychological and social experiences
of orphaned children aged 10 to 17 in households in Bunia, Ituri (DRC). Conducted from May
31 to July 31, 2023, using a phenomenological method, the study included a sample of 43
children selected through snowball sampling until saturation. Data were collected via semi
structured interviews, recorded, transcribed in French, and translated from Swahili, then
analyzed through thematic coding.
Psychologically, children displayed resignation toward parental loss, often interpreted
as divine will, and some experienced familial stigma as “bearers of a curse.” Emotional effects
included guilt, anxiety, demoralization, trauma, cognitive difficulties, and feelings of emotional
detachment. Some children demonstrated resilience, occasionally benefiting from supportive
family involvement. Socially, orphaned children showed ambivalent relationships with peers
and the community, ranging from admiration and respect for other parents to sadness, jealousy,
and a sense of deprivation. While some received emotional and educational support from
extended family, many reported isolation, social devaluation, and abandonment.
These findings highlight the need for integrated interventions combining psychological
support and social-educational assistance to promote resilience and balanced development.
Keywords: Lived experience, psychosocial, child, orphan, household, Bunia