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Background:  South Africa is predicted to have 2.3 million children orphaned by Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) by 2020 (Actuarial Society of South Africa, 2005). There is little knowledge about impacts of AIDS‐related bereavement on children, to aid planning of services. This study aimed to investigate psychological consequences of AIDS orphanhood in urban township areas of Cape Town, South Africa, compared to control groups of children and adolescents orphaned by other causes, and non‐orphans.

Method:  One thousand and twenty‐five children and adolescents (aged 10–19) were interviewed using socio‐demographic questionnaires and standardised scales for assessing depression, anxiety, post‐traumatic stress, peer problems, delinquency and conduct problems.

Results:  Controlling for socio‐demographic factors such as age, gender, formal/informal dwelling and age at …