Major Depressive Disorder is regarded as a major contributor to the global burden of disease. It is considered as the fourth highest cause of disability across the globe and second highest between the ages of 15 and 44. It is a serious mental health condition that affects individuals’ physical and mental health and is often associated with comorbidities, functional impairment and at times fatal consequences. Men with depression are considered as an at-risk group as research has shown that males are less likely to receive intervention or health care compared to women, due to hegemonic masculine norms. Within the qualitative research community, some efforts have been made to give voice to men’s experiences of depression and help-seeking, as well as the coping strategies that they deploy to manage such symptoms. However, comparatively little to no research has focused on the South African population, and specifically on Black men’s experiences. Similarly, only a few studies have concentrated on the positive, helpful and/or adaptive coping strategies used by men to manage their internal distress. Thus, this study contributed to a growing body of knowledge and filled a gap in current literature. This research was qualitative in nature and deployed Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six-phase framework for conducting a thematic analysis, in order to analyse the eight individual interviews conducted. The analysis produced various themes and subthemes that elucidated the experiences of masculinity, depression, help-seeking and coping mechanisms among Black men in South Africa. The three overarching themes included: Real men don’t cry; Sadness hurts, but sharing hurts more; and Dark days, take control; all of which were related to several subthemes. The analysis indicated that Black men in South Africa do experience depressed moods and internal distress. However, they may deny such experiences due to their subscription to strength-based masculine ideals. They instead foster a mask of indifference to such pain by denying or supressing their emotions in order to assimilate into masculine norms. This was even more apparent in Black African cultures where hegemonic masculine norms were further entrenched and encouraged. Furthermore, public and self-stigma were commonly cited as a reason why the men in the study felt the need to uphold this image of indifference and keep subscribing to such dogmas. This translated into the men’s experiences and attitudes towards help-seeking, where they would often reject or be reluctant to disclose their emotional distress to professionals or to those closest to them. This was due to the perception that help-seeking is in line with femininity, which diverts/shifts away from the masculine ideals they sought to uphold. Another aspect introduced was how these concepts intertwined with Black African cultures. Namely, it may be more difficult for Black men in South Africa to openly express their experiences of depression or seek help psychologically, as these are Westernised terms and are uncommon in Black communities. However, a more traditionally accepted help-seeking route was to go to a traditional healer or Sangoma. Considering the men’s overall reluctance to seek help, they engaged in coping strategies in order to manage depressed feelings, as this was more in line with the masculinity expectations of autonomy, unemotionality and problem solving. Negative coping mechanisms were seen as a celebrated and normalized way for men to numb or supress their emotional distress, while still enacting masculinity. Lastly, although positive coping strategies were posited as a way for men to directly engage in distressful emotions, this was more difficult to adopt as they were perceived to be aligned with more feminine traits. This research created a framework that can be used to conceptualise Black South African men’s experiences of depression, help-seeking and coping strategies. This research is of utmost importance considering that men are noted to be more likely to experience functional impairments or fatal consequences due to their reticence for help-seeking. As such, men and future public health messaging could capitalise on this research in order to improve help-seeking and self-management behaviour amongst this population. This is particularly relevant considering our current context of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Keywords: Major Depressive Disorder, South African men, help-seeking, coping strategies, and qualitative thematic analysis. / Mini Dissertation (MA)--University of Pretoria, 2021. / Psychology / MA (Clinical Psychology) / Unrestricted

The study of construct validity is particularly relevant in the twenty-first century, as more and more entities in South Africa are using psychometric instruments – instruments which have to be valid and reliable in accordance with the requirements of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). Even though validity and reliability, together with their accompanying aspects, are the two main considerations of a psychometric instrument, the construct validity of an instrument is one of the most important aspects to consider. This study’s focus is therefore, for the most part, based on the construct validity of the Life-Style Questionnaire. Even though the Life-Style Questionnaire is not a very distinguished questionnaire in the South African context, it is, however, a classified and useable questionnaire to determine into which of the five trait-descriptive lifestyle categories an individual belongs. In recent years, the Professional Board has become increasingly concerned about the misuse of assessment measures in South Africa, while recognising the important role of psychological assessment in the professional practice of psychology, as well as for research purposes (Foxcroft&Roodt, 2005:20). The need therefore existed to determine whether or not the Life-Style Questionnaire actually measures what it is supposed to measure, in other words to determine its construct validity. “The Life-Style Questionnaire was developed as an objective means to measure into which of five trait-descriptive lifestyle categories (aggressive, conforming, defensive, individualistic, or resistive) participants belong” (Driscoll&Eckstein, 2007:1). The purpose of this study was to determine the construct validity of the Life-Style Questionnaire, developed by Driscoll and Eckstein, in the South African -Questionnaire, developed by Driscoll and Eckstein, in the South African context. A quantitative descriptive survey design was used to conduct the research. The Life- Style Questionnaire was administered to a non-probability convenience sample consisting of 301 individuals living in South Africa and the results were subjected to factor analysis (FA), item analysis and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Various iterations of the (FA) indicated the primary factors for each of the components of the Life-Style Questionnaire. The final FA yielded a questionnaire consisting of five factors. This was confirmed through Kaiser’s eigenvalues and Cattell’s scree plot. The item analysis indicated that it should be considered to remove items 2, 3, 5, 7, 12, 27, 28, 30 and 32 from the Life-Style Questionnaire. After the factor and item analysis, a CFA was conducted. The purpose of the CFA was to determine whether the postulated theoretical model actually fits the observed data. The most common test used to measure the goodness-of-fit of an instrument is the chi-square test. The chi-square test was conducted by using the EQS programme. The results indicated a poor model fit. However, the reliability of the Life-Style Questionnaire was determined and a Cronbach alpha of 0.853 established the instrument’s high level of reliability. Thus, the Life-Style Questionnaire is a reliable, but invalid instrument. This research study contributed to the understanding and importance of construct validity in psychological instruments. It is important to realise that instruments do not necessarily measure what they are intended to measure and therefore they have to be investigated. Lastly, this study not only emphasises the importance of psychometric properties of psychological instruments, but also the important role that psychometrists and industrial psychologists play with regard to the development and use such instruments. / Dissertation (MCom)--University of Pretoria, 2011. / Human Resource Management / unrestricted

In this study I aim to use my body as a tool to derive themes for use in performance making and to underpin this in theory. I focus on aspects of Tadashi Suzuki (1986) actor training (referred to as Suzuki training), free writing and the body. I use black feminism, cognitive neuroscience and body theory to account for my lived body, which I then use in performance. Practice and theory informed each other in a cyclical manner in accordance with Practice as Research as a methodology. Therefore, elements that emerged from my practice determined the theory included in the study, as practice was considered a way of knowing. I work to establish a relationship between race, subjugation and some of the multiple implications thereof on the body in the urban context: I draw on limited notions of culture and the body to interrogate how these can materialise in performance. The study also addresses aspects of the performing body to support why I derive value in Suzuki (1986) training as one psychophysical actor training tool. I theoretically discuss this technique as developing expressive abilities in young performers. The primary purpose of this research is to create work that is rooted in the tradition of devising. My research moves between the physical body and the body in performance in a South African context as I worked to conceptually account for the body in both instances. Although limited, this research includes theories that account for the performing body engaged in somatic foot-based practices where these interact with my practice. I further discuss the devising process I undertook with a cast, as a performance maker, my findings and reflection on this process.

This study investigates how the Biblical teaching on death and the resurrection can provide the appropriate doctrinal challenge to the problem of the pervasive and persistent fear of death amongst the Luo people of Kenya. It therefore examines the Luo traditional beliefs and customs surrounding death in order to establish its contribution to the fear of death, even amongst some Luo Christians. A Biblical-theological study of death and the afterlife provides the doctrinal antidote necessary to rescue and transform a people under bondage to fear, thus outlining the basis for hope in a life beyond physical death through the doctrine of the resurrection. The research commences with a description of Luo traditional beliefs concerning death and dying, and outlines the related Luo customs in relation to their belief in the spirit-world. The contention is that these beliefs result in the fear of death, while the lack of Biblical understanding even amongst some Luo Christians has led to their ignorance of the Biblical teaching on death, and thus a loss of the assurance found in the resurrection of Christ. Death and the afterlife is carefully examined from a Biblical-theological perspective in order to demonstrate how the doctrine of the resurrection can function as a 'rescue doctrine' for those affected by the pervasive and persistent fear of death. The study also explores the assurance of triumph over death as an eschatological reality in keeping with Christ's work of redemption. Similarly, it is argued that triumph over evil and malevolent spirits is guaranteed. In closing, the study explores the power of the Gospel of the resurrected Christ to change lives and transform unbiblical practices and worldviews to conform to his will. It is the resurrected Christ alone who has the power to transform the moral and ethical values ingrained in any culture. / Thesis (M.A. (Dogmatics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

More than a decade of research has indicated that individuals who have experienced traumatic events may report positive psychological changes as a result of their struggle to cope with the impact of the event. This cluster of changes has been labelled posttraumatic growth (PTG). Several measurement instruments have been developed to quantify such growth, one of the most widely used being the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) developed by Tedeschi and Calhoun (1996). The objective of the present study was to conduct a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of the PTGI on data yielded by a South African sample, to determine if the hypothesised factor structure showed appropriate fit in this context. Analyses were performed with three hypothesised models: the five factor model, the three factor model and the model of posttraumatic growth as a unitary factor. Whilst the results of the CFA did not provide overt support for the adequate fit of the models tested, it did yield a profile of PTG in the South African sample that is similar to that of samples from other countries of origin. The findings implied that the factorial validity of the PTGI is unclear and the inventory may require modification for use in the South African context. This highlighted the need for further investigation in order to provide a comprehensive exploration of the PTGI and its applicability in this context. This is in line with the current focus on the socio-cultural and contextual elements that may influence the perception of PTG.

This study investigates how the Biblical teaching on death and the resurrection can provide the appropriate doctrinal challenge to the problem of the pervasive and persistent fear of death amongst the Luo people of Kenya. It therefore examines the Luo traditional beliefs and customs surrounding death in order to establish its contribution to the fear of death, even amongst some Luo Christians. A Biblical-theological study of death and the afterlife provides the doctrinal antidote necessary to rescue and transform a people under bondage to fear, thus outlining the basis for hope in a life beyond physical death through the doctrine of the resurrection. The research commences with a description of Luo traditional beliefs concerning death and dying, and outlines the related Luo customs in relation to their belief in the spirit-world. The contention is that these beliefs result in the fear of death, while the lack of Biblical understanding even amongst some Luo Christians has led to their ignorance of the Biblical teaching on death, and thus a loss of the assurance found in the resurrection of Christ. Death and the afterlife is carefully examined from a Biblical-theological perspective in order to demonstrate how the doctrine of the resurrection can function as a 'rescue doctrine' for those affected by the pervasive and persistent fear of death. The study also explores the assurance of triumph over death as an eschatological reality in keeping with Christ's work of redemption. Similarly, it is argued that triumph over evil and malevolent spirits is guaranteed. In closing, the study explores the power of the Gospel of the resurrected Christ to change lives and transform unbiblical practices and worldviews to conform to his will. It is the resurrected Christ alone who has the power to transform the moral and ethical values ingrained in any culture. / Thesis (M.A. (Dogmatics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

Published Article / To start with, "Corporate Social Responsibility" (CSR) appears a misnomer as it suggests a 'big business only' connotation. Rather, "Business Social Responsibility" (BSR) appears a better alternative because it accommodates all sizes of business. Despite progress in the business / society relationship, SMMEs on the African continent continue being neglected as far as BSR research is concerned. Unlike in the West, there are no frameworks, tools, and instruments to guide those interested in the SMME / BSR nexus in the African context. As it turns out, scholars, researchers, policy makers, and owner / managers interested in the SMME / BSR nexus in Africa have no choice but to rely on frameworks, tools, and metrics designed for European and American contexts. This is in spite of Visser's (2007) caution that the Euro-American frameworks are inappropriate for the African situation. This paper makes a case for the development of an African context specific SMME / BSR framework(s) and measurement instrument(s).

Gender roles and the nature of heterosex have been clearly outlined in the literature as having a significant impact on both individuals and societies. Some debate has existed in the field of psychology as to the nature and origin of gender and gender roles. Furthermore, it is believed that the current South African context offers a rich source of material for debate and discussion around which social factors are impacting on gender role development and how. In order to gain a deeper understanding of the perceived origins of such gender roles the study explores qualitative accounts of the various social elements of both South African and international origin which individuals perceive as impacting on gender role ideology. Individual interviews were conducted with 8 participants (4 males and 4 females) between the ages of 20 and 30, who were either living with their partner at the time of the study or had co-habited before. While all social constructs identified in the study can be understood as impacting internalised notions of gender roles some factors appear to play a more significant role than others in creating knowledge around egalitarian roles rather than perpetuating less contemporary views or gender inequality. In particular culture, religion and the family were found to be sights of perpetuation of more traditional roles, while globalisation, education, media, work and urbanisation appeared to be significant constructs in creating more egalitarian gender role ideologies. Recommendations for future research include a closer examination of these relationships within broader realms of class, religion and age.

While it is recognised that the burden on the caregiver of a person who has suffered a neurological event is great, research into the experience of caregiving and the effects of cognitive-communicative difficulties on intergenerational families is lacking. Studies examining these experiences within a multicultural and multilingual setting such as South Africa are few. The effects of neurogenic communication disorders in family systems also require further investigation. This study explores parent caregivers’ experiences of caring for their once-independent adult child, who are now faced with the reality of parenting for the second time. A qualitative research design was employed. Eighteen parents of adult children who have suffered TBIs, strokes or brain tumours were interviewed. The data obtained were analysed by means of thematic analysis. Themes associated with caring for an adult child, specifically in the South African context, are identified and discussed. These themes related to the parent caregiver’s experience of loss – loss of their child due to physical and cognitivecommunicative difficulties as well as the loss of their own dreams and plans for the future. Multiple roles within intergenerational family systems, support and information are identified as significant factors in either minimising or exacerbating their experience of loss. These themes are explained within a Family Systems Theory framework and assist in identifying both positive and negative factors that impact on experiences of caring for an adult child. It stresses the importance of the implementation of sustainable programmes and support services specifically catering for parents of adult children with neurological communication disorders.

Along with various contextual factors, the method of literacy instruction is recognised as one of the main reasons for low levels of literacy learning both locally and internationally. Harcombe’s CATLI process is offered as an alternative literacy methodology, firstly since its constructivist, ecosystemic underpinnings endeavour to address as many contextual issues as is possible, and secondly, because the CATLI process attempts to address some of the gaps in other literacy instructional programmes. The current study aimed to evaluate the CATLI process as a viable alternative to traditional methods of literacy instruction. In addition, the study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of using the constructivist approach to train university students in the CATLI process. The sample comprised trainee learning support specialists and one parent per learner receiving the CATLI intervention at the community centre at a Johannesburg university in 2007. Quantitative and qualitative data obtained by means of questionnaires and extant records provided evidence that all learners showed improvement in literacy skills as well as general development, ascribing the effectiveness of the process to being underpinned soundly by social constructivism and associated theories. For the same reason, trainees considered their training sufficient.