<p>The aim of the study was to investigate the sense of coherence among students in Zambia. Sense of coherence was assessed with the questionnaire SOC-29. The respondents were 102 students, aged 15 to 20 years, in three schools in Livingstone. A secondary aim was to examine the relationship between sense of coherence, gender and age. The mean score on SOC-29 was 131 for the Zambian students, which is lower than SOC measured for Swedish adolescents (m=138,5) as well as the Swedish population (m=146). There were no significant correlations between sense of coherence and gender, nor between sense of coherence and age.</p>

Companies, also financial institutions, realign, redesign, restructure and downsize on an ongoing basis, increasing tension in employees to survive in the work environment. Besides coping with the impact of recessions and layoffs, employees also have to cope with increased workloads and the pressures of modem life. Employment is not only a means of financial viability, but also defines individuals' identities. Job loss - or even the threat of it - can be psychologically devastating and may influence the psychological well-being of employees. This may impact their perceived job satisfaction as well. The current trend within organisations is to move towards a model that focuses on strengths, where individuals take charge of their own lives and have effective working conditions where they successfully cope and perform optimally. The objective of this research was to determine the relationship between psychological wellbeing (i.e. self-efficacy, positive and negative affect, and sense of coherence) and job satisfaction of employees in a financial institution. The research method for this article consisted of a brief literature review and an empirical study using a cross-sectional survey design to collect data. An availability sample (N = 117) was taken from employees from different levels in a financial institution. The Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ), Generalised Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), Affectometer 2 (AFM), Orientation to Life Questionnaire (OLQ) and a Biographical questionnaire were administered. The statistical analysis was carried out with the help of the SPSS-programme. The statistical methods utilised in the article consisted of descriptive statistics, Cronbach alpha coefficients, Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients, Regression analysis and Manovas. The results showed acceptable internal consistencies for all the constructs. Product-moment correlation coefficients showed significant positive correlations between self-efficacy, positive affect, sense of coherence and job satisfaction and significantly negative correlations between negative affect, self-efficacy, positive affect and sense of coherence. Self-efficacy, positive and negative affect, and sense of coherence predicted 19% of the variance in job satisfaction with sense of coherence the only significant predictor of Job Satisfaction. No differences in terms of biographical characteristics in the experience of self-efficacy, positive affect, negative affect, sense of coherence and job satisfaction could be found. Recommendations for future research were made. / Thesis (M.Com. (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

Companies, also financial institutions, realign, redesign, restructure and downsize on an ongoing basis, increasing tension in employees to survive in the work environment. Besides coping with the impact of recessions and layoffs, employees also have to cope with increased workloads and the pressures of modem life. Employment is not only a means of financial viability, but also defines individuals' identities. Job loss - or even the threat of it - can be psychologically devastating and may influence the psychological well-being of employees. This may impact their perceived job satisfaction as well. The current trend within organisations is to move towards a model that focuses on strengths, where individuals take charge of their own lives and have effective working conditions where they successfully cope and perform optimally. The objective of this research was to determine the relationship between psychological wellbeing (i.e. self-efficacy, positive and negative affect, and sense of coherence) and job satisfaction of employees in a financial institution. The research method for this article consisted of a brief literature review and an empirical study using a cross-sectional survey design to collect data. An availability sample (N = 117) was taken from employees from different levels in a financial institution. The Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ), Generalised Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), Affectometer 2 (AFM), Orientation to Life Questionnaire (OLQ) and a Biographical questionnaire were administered. The statistical analysis was carried out with the help of the SPSS-programme. The statistical methods utilised in the article consisted of descriptive statistics, Cronbach alpha coefficients, Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients, Regression analysis and Manovas. The results showed acceptable internal consistencies for all the constructs. Product-moment correlation coefficients showed significant positive correlations between self-efficacy, positive affect, sense of coherence and job satisfaction and significantly negative correlations between negative affect, self-efficacy, positive affect and sense of coherence. Self-efficacy, positive and negative affect, and sense of coherence predicted 19% of the variance in job satisfaction with sense of coherence the only significant predictor of Job Satisfaction. No differences in terms of biographical characteristics in the experience of self-efficacy, positive affect, negative affect, sense of coherence and job satisfaction could be found. Recommendations for future research were made. / Thesis (M.Com. (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between emotional intelligence, sense of coherence and coping behaviour in a group of students at a South African university. An availability sample of 101 students completed self-report measures of emotional intelligence, sense of coherence and coping behaviour. The measures were found to be valid and reliable in this particular group and the means and standard deviations calculated were comparable with those mentioned in literature. It was further found that emotional intelligence was better able, than sense of coherence, to predict the following coping strategies: turning to religion, suppression of competing activities, planning, active coping and problem solving. Emotional intelligence and sense of coherence were both good predictors of the coping strategy positive reinterpretation and growth. It was concluded that individuals with a high emotional intelligence have developed more effective coping strategies than individuals who do not have well-developed emotional abilities. Practical implications of the findings are indicated. / Thesis (M.A. (Psychology))--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2005.

Tremendous pressure is being placed on organisations to improve their work performance and to become increasingly competitive. In order to survive in a highly competitive economy, organisations in both the public and the private sector are undergoing major re-structuring and can no longer guarantee employees with life time employment, thus leading to job insecurity. A relatively large amount of research can be found in the literature regarding the relationship between job insecurity and various outcomes, for example, reduced job satisfaction and organisational commitment, and reduced well-being. Limited research has, however, been conducted on possible mediators of the job insecurity - outcomes relationship. Such research may be useful for the development of programmes to reduce the negative impacts of job insecurity. The primary objectives of this research were to investigate the relationship between job insecurity and general health of employees (N = 337) in both the public and the private sector, as well as to determine whether situational sense of coherence mediates the relationship between job insecurity and general health. A further objective was to compare the job insecurity levels of public and private sector employees. A cross-sectional survey design was used. Constructs were measured by means of the Job Insecurity Questionnaire (JIQ), the Orientation to Life Questionnaire (Form S), the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and a biographical questionnaire. Results indicated that a practically-significant relationship exists between job insecurity and general health, implying that high levels of job insecurity are associated with ill health (as displayed in somatic symptoms, anxiety and insomnia, and social dysfunction). Regression analyses confirmed the partially mediating effect of situational sense of coherence on the relationship between job insecurity and general health. It was also found that public sector employees displayed higher levels of affective job insecurity than their private sector counterparts. Conclusions and recommendations were made / Thesis (Ph.D.)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2006.

During the past few years, organisations throughout the public sphere have undergone dramatic changes due to extensive restructuring and mergers. These changes are caused international by an accelerating pace of business, increasing economic activity, science and technology, public partnerships involving government and population, changing demographics, and education and training. Changes such as these usually result in job insecurity which in turn may lead to job dissatisfaction. The objective of this study was to examine the possible relationship between job insecurity, job satisfaction and situational sense of coherence among civil servants in the Johannesburg-West District Education Department and, more particularly, to determine whether situational sense of coherence mediates the relationship between job insecurity and job satisfaction. A survey design was used to realise the research objectives. The study population consisted of 120 civil servants in the Johannesburg-West District of Education Department. The Job Insecurity Questionnaire (JIQ), the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ) and Orientation to Life Questionnaire - Form S (OLQ - S) were used as measuring instruments. The findings showed that a negative correlation of medium effect was found between cognitive job insecurity and situational sense of coherence. Total job satisfaction displayed negative statistically significant correlations with all the job insecurity dimensions, although these correlations fell below the practically significant cutoff point. Analyses indicated that situational sense of coherence does not hold a statistically significant amount of predictive value with regard to job satisfaction, nor does job insecurity hold a statistically significant amount of variance with regard to job satisfaction, implying that situational sense of coherence does not mediate the relationship between job insecurity and job satisfaction. Job insecurity was however found to hold some predictive value with regard to situational sense of coherence. Limitations were identified and recommendations with regard to future research as well as for the organisation were made. / Thesis (M.A. (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2007.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between emotional intelligence, sense of coherence and coping behaviour in a group of students at a South African university. An availability sample of 101 students completed self-report measures of emotional intelligence, sense of coherence and coping behaviour. The measures were found to be valid and reliable in this particular group and the means and standard deviations calculated were comparable with those mentioned in literature. It was further found that emotional intelligence was better able, than sense of coherence, to predict the following coping strategies: turning to religion, suppression of competing activities, planning, active coping and problem solving. Emotional intelligence and sense of coherence were both good predictors of the coping strategy positive reinterpretation and growth. It was concluded that individuals with a high emotional intelligence have developed more effective coping strategies than individuals who do not have well-developed emotional abilities. Practical implications of the findings are indicated. / Thesis (M.A. (Psychology))--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2005.

Tremendous pressure is being placed on organisations to improve their work performance and to become increasingly competitive. In order to survive in a highly competitive economy, organisations in both the public and the private sector are undergoing major re-structuring and can no longer guarantee employees with life time employment, thus leading to job insecurity. A relatively large amount of research can be found in the literature regarding the relationship between job insecurity and various outcomes, for example, reduced job satisfaction and organisational commitment, and reduced well-being. Limited research has, however, been conducted on possible mediators of the job insecurity - outcomes relationship. Such research may be useful for the development of programmes to reduce the negative impacts of job insecurity. The primary objectives of this research were to investigate the relationship between job insecurity and general health of employees (N = 337) in both the public and the private sector, as well as to determine whether situational sense of coherence mediates the relationship between job insecurity and general health. A further objective was to compare the job insecurity levels of public and private sector employees. A cross-sectional survey design was used. Constructs were measured by means of the Job Insecurity Questionnaire (JIQ), the Orientation to Life Questionnaire (Form S), the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and a biographical questionnaire. Results indicated that a practically-significant relationship exists between job insecurity and general health, implying that high levels of job insecurity are associated with ill health (as displayed in somatic symptoms, anxiety and insomnia, and social dysfunction). Regression analyses confirmed the partially mediating effect of situational sense of coherence on the relationship between job insecurity and general health. It was also found that public sector employees displayed higher levels of affective job insecurity than their private sector counterparts. Conclusions and recommendations were made / Thesis (Ph.D.)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2006.

During the past few years, organisations throughout the public sphere have undergone dramatic changes due to extensive restructuring and mergers. These changes are caused international by an accelerating pace of business, increasing economic activity, science and technology, public partnerships involving government and population, changing demographics, and education and training. Changes such as these usually result in job insecurity which in turn may lead to job dissatisfaction. The objective of this study was to examine the possible relationship between job insecurity, job satisfaction and situational sense of coherence among civil servants in the Johannesburg-West District Education Department and, more particularly, to determine whether situational sense of coherence mediates the relationship between job insecurity and job satisfaction. A survey design was used to realise the research objectives. The study population consisted of 120 civil servants in the Johannesburg-West District of Education Department. The Job Insecurity Questionnaire (JIQ), the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ) and Orientation to Life Questionnaire - Form S (OLQ - S) were used as measuring instruments. The findings showed that a negative correlation of medium effect was found between cognitive job insecurity and situational sense of coherence. Total job satisfaction displayed negative statistically significant correlations with all the job insecurity dimensions, although these correlations fell below the practically significant cutoff point. Analyses indicated that situational sense of coherence does not hold a statistically significant amount of predictive value with regard to job satisfaction, nor does job insecurity hold a statistically significant amount of variance with regard to job satisfaction, implying that situational sense of coherence does not mediate the relationship between job insecurity and job satisfaction. Job insecurity was however found to hold some predictive value with regard to situational sense of coherence. Limitations were identified and recommendations with regard to future research as well as for the organisation were made. / Thesis (M.A. (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2007.

Uppsatsen handlar om tre verksamhetschefers och en behandlingsassistents uppfattningar om hur ungdomar som vistas på Hem för vård och boende (HVB)- eller Statens Institutionsstyrelse –hem (SiS, som kan använda låsbara avdelningar), påverkas av de omplaceringar som sker när ungdomen flyttar från SiS till HVB. I den här studien fokuserar vi på en specifik del i behandlingen, som kan påverka ungdomar som är vårdplacerade – omplaceringar mellan vårdboenden. Vi undersöker bland annat hur dessa omplaceringar går till/skulle kunna gå till, samt vilka anledningar som kan tänkas vara bakgrunden till att en ungdom omplaceras. Som underlag för vår studie har vi utöver litteratur och forskning inom området, genomfört fyra intervjuer med personal från HVB och SiS boenden. Vi använder anknytningsteorin och Sense of coherence modellen som teoretisk referensram. Resultatet visar att det finns brister gällande omplaceringar. Samtliga informanter önskade mer tid till förberedelserna i arbetet med ungdomen som ska flytta in. Ett önskemål vore att det från beslut till inflyttning skulle ta 3-6 månader, då det ger möjlighet för personalen på det nya boendet att besöka ungdomen och börja knyta band redan innan flytten ska genomföras. Slutsatsen blir att omplaceringen spelar roll för ungdomens behandling och vistelse på boendet. Samtidigt är det oroväckande att det saknas tydliga riktlinjer för hur dessa omplaceringar ska ske. Om mer resurser och tydligare riktlinjer kring omplaceringar gavs, kan det minska det antal omplaceringar där ungdomen tvingas flytta tillbaka till SiS. Idag får ungefär var fjärde ungdom flytta tillbaka igen. / This paper investigates the perspective of managers' and processing staffs concerning young people living on a Home for care or living(HVB)- or Institutional board of the states- home (SiS - they can use lockable departments), and how they think youths are affected by the transfer between SiS and HVB. This study focus on factors that can affect young people's health - replacing youths between different nursing homes. The paper investigates how these replacements are performed/could be performed, as well as the underlying factors that might explain why a youth is being relocated. As a basis for our study, in addition to the literature and research in the field, we have conducted four interviews with personnel from HVB- and SiS- accommodations. We use the attachment theory and the Sense of coherence theory as a theoretical frame. The results show that there are shortcomings in the process of redeployment. All informants wanted more time to prepare the work of a youth who is about to move. A proposal from the informants, was that the process from decision to the actual moving should take between 3-6 months. This would give the staff in the new accommodation a chance to visit the youth and begin to build ties, before the move is implemented. The conclusion is that the transfer has an important role in the treatment and the stay of the youth. At the same time, it is of great concern that there are no clear guidelines for how these replacements should be performed. If there would be more resources and clearer guidelines for how redeployments should be handled, it might perhaps reduce the number of shifts where young people are moving back to SiS. Today approximately one of four youth needs to move back.