Many South African adolescents’ parents have died due to the disease process of HIV/AIDS. After the parent dies, the oldest member of the family (usually adolescent age) is left taking care of themselves and their younger siblings. Therefore, it is important to promote the well-being of adolescents acting as heads of household in South Africa who are infected with HIV/AIDS and are on Hospice services (Ritcher & Desmond, 2008).
The HIV/AIDS disease, death, and dying has profound effects on physical and mental health, culture, and political facets within communities (Toporek et al., 2006). I hope to shed some light on the growing pandemic in South Africa and the use of psychotherapy to promote positive social change within the communities.
The HIV/AIDS crisis in South Africa is affecting millions of people mentally, physically, emotionally, financially, and spiritually. Through this presentation, I hope to generate awareness to support the mental health and welfare of South African adolescents who are acting as heads of household who are infected with HIV/AIDS that receive hospice services to provide this population with psychotherapy which can be used for individuals or in a family to improve relationships and to promote well-being.