Social-Emotional Development and Perceived Social Support of Orphans during COVID-19 Pandemic in Malaysia: A Concept Paper

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on everyone regardless of their social class or status. The impact can be seen from people's everyday lives as they lose their jobs, leading to an increase in broken families and poverty and mental health issues affecting many groups within Malaysian society. One of the most vulnerable yet often overlooked groups within society is orphans. In this concept paper, the author highlighted the need to research orphans regarding their social-emotional development and perceived social support, which are essential variables requiring immediate attention. At the end of this paper, suggestions are provided on how to help orphans in Malaysia to have a healthy social-emotional development amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.