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Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the literature based on the relationship between orphaned children and mental health, compared to non-orphaned children. Mental well-being of orphaned children is a profound intricate topic that connects with broader concerns of childcare. This systematic review aims to evaluate the literature regarding the relationship between mental health and parental absence. Methods: We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, MEDLINE, and Science Direct in October 2025, with 1017 screened studies. Six studies met the inclusion criteria. Independent reviewers performed quality assessments using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS). Subsequently, a meta-analysis was performed when possible. Results: Findings indicate that orphaned children demonstrated higher levels of aggressive behavior (1 study: p = 0.05), depression (2 studies: p<0.001 and p<0.001), and PTSD symptoms (1 study: p<0.001). Anxiety was also higher among orphans (3 studies: p = 0.038, p = 0.006 and p<0.001). Orphans also had poorer psychological well-being (1 study: p<0.001), greater somatic symptoms (1 study: p<0.001), and higher social dysfunction (1 study: p<0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in resilience (1 study: p = 0.16), self-efficacy (1 study: p = 0.58), or internalizing and externalizing problems (1 study: p = 0.64). Meta-analysis of studies evaluating depression yielded non-significant increased standardized mean differences (SMD) of 0.77 (p = 0.10). While the meta-analysis of studies evaluating anxiety showed a significant increased SMD of 0.68 (p = 0.02) among children with parental absence. Conclusion: Orphaned children may exhibit elevated levels of depression, anxiety, aggression, and poorer psychological well-being compared to their non-orphaned peers. However, they also possess internal strengths such as resilience and self-efficacy. These findings should be interpreted with caution due to the limited number of studies and the high degree of heterogeneity across studies and cultural contexts.

Article Type

Systematic Review

First Page

760

Last Page

768

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