Parents of a child diagnosed with autism have a high risk for physical and emotional stress with mental health difficulties. Little research exists regarding fathers with an autistic child, and less information exists on African American fathers who struggle with coping and finding appropriate interventions and resources for raising an autistic child. The purpose of this interpretative, phenomenological study was to analyze the lived experiences of 12 African American fathers raising their child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. This study's theoretical lens was Bowen's family systems theory. The data from this study consisted of 12 interviews with African American fathers using an open-ended and semistructured format. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The fathers' descriptions of their lived experiences yielded 4 themes: father's interaction with the child, emotional reactions, discipline of the child, and awareness support of autism spectrum disorder. African American fathers indicated positive results caring for their child with autism and desired effective interventions to increase the child's continued success for the future. Findings supported the father's presence as significant as the mothers when caring for a child diagnosed with autism. Implications for positive social change include professionals understanding the lived experiences of the African American father, such as increased community supports, resources, advocates, education, and awareness in the African American community.

Despite increases in HIV awareness, prevention and treatment, little is known about the contributing factors to medication adherence among adherent Black women with HIV. Understanding the protective factors that improve medication adherence and CD4 cell count for Black HIV+ women is essential and necessary to improve the treatment outcomes for this understudied population. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between spirituality, social support, trust in physician, and medication adherence among HIV+ Black women. While this study was not designed to test the influence on medication adherence, it was hypothesized that increased levels of spirituality, social support and trust in physician would positively relate to adherence. In this study, medication adherence was measured by 1) self-report on The AIDS Clinical Trial Group (ACTG) Adherence Questionnaire and 2) CD4 T-cell count. Baseline data was collected from 82 Black women in the Miami-Dade community and participants were administered the Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWB), the Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ), and the Trust in Physician Scale (TPS). The results of this study indicate that medication adherence is not related to spiritual well-being, social support, or trust in physician. However, a significant positive correlation between spiritual well-being and trust in physician was found. Findings suggest that additional research is needed to explore the multifarious nature of the factors that enhance medication adherence for this population. Implications for research and practice are discussed with respect to the inclusion of spirituality, social support and trust in physician components within prevention and intervention programs designed to increase adherent behaviors among Black HIV+ women.

Submitted by Renata Lopes (renatasil82@gmail.com) on 2016-05-19T13:19:20Z No. of bitstreams: 1 odetedesouzameireles.pdf: 7529017 bytes, checksum: 0a4cf76581256c6b2511380ed618267d (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Adriana Oliveira (adriana.oliveira@ufjf.edu.br) on 2016-07-01T19:13:25Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 odetedesouzameireles.pdf: 7529017 bytes, checksum: 0a4cf76581256c6b2511380ed618267d (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-07-01T19:13:25Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 odetedesouzameireles.pdf: 7529017 bytes, checksum: 0a4cf76581256c6b2511380ed618267d (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-06-25 / O objeto desta dissertação é a Comunidade de Santo Antônio do Morro Grande, localizada na Zona da Mata mineira. Uma comunidade que em 2007, conquistou o status de “remanescente de quilombo” requerido pelo artigo 68, dos Atos das Disposições Constitucionais Transitórias – ADCT, da Constituição Federal de 1988. A questão central da pesquisa concentrou-se em torno do processo de constituição do território que os moradores da comunidade, hoje, reconhecem como sua propriedade. Nesse sentido privilegiamos a valorização dos relatos de memória dos moradores mais idosos. A definição desta questão partiu de inquietações que acumulamos com relação às dificuldades de aplicabilidade deste artigo 68, decorrentes, em alguma medida, também, de dificuldades postas para a conceituação do termo “remanescentes de quilombos”. Nesse sentido, privilegiamos o estudo das categorias comunidade negra rural, alteridade e cidadania. / The object of this dissertation is the Communit of Santo Antõnio do Morro Grande, located in the Zona da Mata of Minas Gerais. A communit that in 2007, won the status of “remnant of Quilombo” required by article 68 of the Temporary Constitutional Provisions Act – ADCT, of the Federal Constitution promulgated in 1988. The central research question focused around the process of incorporation of the territory that the residents of the communit, today, recognize as his own. In this sense we favor the recovery of the reportedmemory of older residents. The definition of this issue came from concerns that we have accumulated with respect to the difficulties of applicability of article 68, due in some measure, also brought difficulties for the definition of the term “remnants of Quilombo”. In this sense we favor the study of the categories rural black community, otherness and citizenship.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-07-29T15:32:13Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Antonio Ferreira Leite.pdf: 906846 bytes, checksum: 4e357acc5bbf9c20c404641fbff2891f (MD5) Previous issue date: 2008-10-17 / In the identity and cultural history of the formation of Brazilian population the several kinds of ethnic group, in special the quilombolas, always had participation in the social construction of Brazil. On the other hand, the same ones always were put in a secondary plan up against current policies. In relation to the object of study where it was developed this research, it is all right that the members of the Rural Black community Água Limpa builds an alternative territory linked to an identity territory around cultural nuances left their ancestries. The Água Limpa territory and the identity of the group is the result of responsibility of men and women that make possible the individual and collective statement composed by those ones. It is necessary also to say that space motion that has caused by the exit of several residents that migrate toward cities last years, hasn t been a determinate factor to characterize a motion away their traditions and cultural identity built in the community. It was noticed along of this research that habits of these people despite to be in cities, they didn t lose the link with their birth place. It means they keep a cultural identity that even with the several uses and functions that the cities present their way of human and cultural relationship get to have a continuation. This research has the objective to contribute for the current debate about the Cultural Geography mainly of quilombolas communities specially the Água Limpa one, discussing its cultural and territory identity, checking the new needs to think again the meaning of quilombola territory and its possibilities of development for the well-being of its residents. The ethnic differences as richness of human race present characteristics that are reproduced by the own group, that is, depict true identity and cultural devices. / Na história da formação identitária e cultural da população brasileira os diversos tipos de grupos étnicos, em especial os quilombolas, sempre tiveram participação na construção social do Brasil. Por outro lado, os mesmos sempre foram relegados a um plano secundário face às políticas vigentes. Em relação ao objeto de estudo onde foi desenvolvido a pesquisa, pode-se dizer que os(as) integrantes da comunidade negra rural Água Limpa constrói um território alternativo ligado a uma identidade territorial articulada em torno das matrizes culturais deixadas pelos seus ancestrais. O território agualimpense e a identidade do grupo é o resultado de compromissos de homens e mulheres que possibilita a afirmação individual e coletiva daqueles(as) que a compõem. Faz-se necessário dizer que a mobilidade espacial que têm provocado a saída de vários(as) moradores(as) que migram em direção às cidades nos últimos anos, não têm sido fator determinante para caracterizar um desapego às suas tradições e identidade cultural construídos na comunidade. Foi observado no decorrer da pesquisa que os hábitos desses indivíduos apesar de urbanos, não perdeu o vínculo com seu lugar de origem. Isso quer dizer que se mantêm uma identidade cultural que mesmo com as diversidades de usos e funções que as cidades apresentam seu modo de relacionamento humano e cultual consegue ter uma continuidade. Esta pesquisa objetiva-se contribuir para o atual debate a cerca da Geografia Cultural e principalmente das comunidades quilombolas, em especial Água Limpa, discutindo sua identidade cultural e territorial, verificando as novas necessidades de repensar o conceito de território quilombola e suas possibilidades de desenvolvimento para o bem estar de seus habitantes. As diferenças étnicas como riqueza da raça humana apresenta características que são reproduzidas pelo próprio grupo, ou seja, representam verdadeiros dispositivos identitários e culturais.

This study, BLACK COMMUNITY ATTITUDES TOWARDS THE DISABLED - EDUCATIONAL IMPLICATIONS, set out to investigate the attitude of the black community towards the disabled. Literature was consulted to provide a backdrop against which the empirical surveys could be measured. The study used systematic observation interviews for data collection. Appointments were made to conduct the interviews. The study obtained responses from 70 interviewees from four African cultures namely the Vend~ Pedi, Tsonga and Ndebele, who were divided into seven groups, ten per group, i.e. parents of the disabled, the disabled themselves, siblings of the disabled, parents of non-disabled, youth, old people and professional workers. Findings indicated that disabilities such as cerebral palsy, orthopaedic disabilities, blindness and deafness are undesirable and constitute problems in the life of a disabled, their families in general perspective and the community at large. Disabilities constituted different attitudes and were identified as varying from total rejection to acceptance which are brought about by the components of the TRIPARTITE MODEL I A B C MODEL being cognitive, affective and behavioural. Education of the whole black community concerning the issue of disabled people seems to be the only answer to bring about a change of attitude towards the disabled. Therefore a number of recommendations were included to serve as guidance and counselling so that myth and witchcraft ideologies and negative attitudes can be uprooted. The researcher hopes that the effort that went into this· study will be beneficial in the process of educating the black community about the disabled with the ultimate goal of changing existing negative attitudes towards the disabled into positive attitudes of acceptance and support. / Psychology of Education / D Ed. (Psychology of Education)

This study, BLACK COMMUNITY ATTITUDES TOWARDS THE DISABLED - EDUCATIONAL IMPLICATIONS, set out to investigate the attitude of the black community towards the disabled. Literature was consulted to provide a backdrop against which the empirical surveys could be measured. The study used systematic observation interviews for data collection. Appointments were made to conduct the interviews. The study obtained responses from 70 interviewees from four African cultures namely the Vend~ Pedi, Tsonga and Ndebele, who were divided into seven groups, ten per group, i.e. parents of the disabled, the disabled themselves, siblings of the disabled, parents of non-disabled, youth, old people and professional workers. Findings indicated that disabilities such as cerebral palsy, orthopaedic disabilities, blindness and deafness are undesirable and constitute problems in the life of a disabled, their families in general perspective and the community at large. Disabilities constituted different attitudes and were identified as varying from total rejection to acceptance which are brought about by the components of the TRIPARTITE MODEL I A B C MODEL being cognitive, affective and behavioural. Education of the whole black community concerning the issue of disabled people seems to be the only answer to bring about a change of attitude towards the disabled. Therefore a number of recommendations were included to serve as guidance and counselling so that myth and witchcraft ideologies and negative attitudes can be uprooted. The researcher hopes that the effort that went into this· study will be beneficial in the process of educating the black community about the disabled with the ultimate goal of changing existing negative attitudes towards the disabled into positive attitudes of acceptance and support. / Psychology of Education / D Ed. (Psychology of Education)

This dissertation study was conducted in order to examine and gain an insight on two topics that are considered to be highly under researched: American historically black fraternities and sororities and colorism within the back American community. The purpose of the study was to examine the impact that colorism has had on black American collegiate Greek letter organizations. Using the qualitative phenomenological approach, 18 graduate or alumni members, two from each of the nine historically black Greek letter organizations that make up the National Pan-Hellanic Council were interviewed using open ended questions to see what impact (if any) colorism has had on historically black fraternities and sororities. During the interviews the following five major themes emerged: discriminatory practices between black Americans, stereotyping black Greek letter organizations, stereotyping skin tones, colorism as a part of American history, and colorism as being permanently a part of the black American community. The following theories were also explored during the study: Social Identity Theory, Double Consciousness, Primary Identification Theory, and Conflict Caused by Colorism, to further see what impact colorism had on historically black fraternities and sororities. Through these five themes and theories, it was found that colorism has had and continues to have a significant impact on not only members of historically black fraternities and sororities, but also that of members of the black American community as a whole.

A study of the relevant theoretical concepts and empirical research was undertaken to explore the role of the social worker pertaining to the problem of epilepsy in the black community of Mamelodi. The sample comprised 40 families in which there was a person with epilepsy. Data were obtained through an interview schedule administered by the researcher. The literature study highlighted the phenomenon epilepsy, causes of epilepsy/ psychosocial effects of epilepsy on the epileptic and his family and the treatment of the epileptic. However/ it became quite clear that a multi-disciplinary team approach is vital importance in the treatment of an epileptic Furthermore/ significant others like traditional healers, faith healers, priests, relatives and friends were identified as some of the important informal support systems. Although the findings of study cannot be generalised to the entire population they can be of great significance for further research. / 'n Studie van die relevante konsepte asook empiriese navorsing is gedoen om die rol van die maatskaplike werker met betrekking tot die probleem van epilepsie in die swart gemeenskap van Mamelodi te eksploreer. Die steekproef is saamgestel uit 'n groep van 40 gesinne met 'n epileptikus in hul midde. Inlighting is verkry deur groep van onderhoudskedule. Die literatuurstudie beklemtoon die volgende: die verskynsel van epilepsie, oorsake van epilepsie, psigososiale gevolge van epilepsie op die per soon met epilepsie en sy gesin en die behandeling van die epileptikus. Dit het egter duidelik na vore gekom dat 'n multi-dissiplinere spanbenadering van die uiterste belang is in die behandeling van die epilepsielyer. Dit het ook duidelik geword dat betekenisvolle ander persone soos tradisionele genesers, geloofsgenesers priesters, familie en vriende van die mees belangrike steunstelsels is. Alhoewel bevindinge van die studie nie veralgemeen kan word en van toepassing gemaak kan word op die bevolking as geheel nie, kan dit egter van groot belang vir verdere navorsing wees. / Social Work / M.A. (Social Science)

A study of the relevant theoretical concepts and empirical research was undertaken to explore the role of the social worker pertaining to the problem of epilepsy in the black community of Mamelodi. The sample comprised 40 families in which there was a person with epilepsy. Data were obtained through an interview schedule administered by the researcher. The literature study highlighted the phenomenon epilepsy, causes of epilepsy/ psychosocial effects of epilepsy on the epileptic and his family and the treatment of the epileptic. However/ it became quite clear that a multi-disciplinary team approach is vital importance in the treatment of an epileptic Furthermore/ significant others like traditional healers, faith healers, priests, relatives and friends were identified as some of the important informal support systems. Although the findings of study cannot be generalised to the entire population they can be of great significance for further research. / 'n Studie van die relevante konsepte asook empiriese navorsing is gedoen om die rol van die maatskaplike werker met betrekking tot die probleem van epilepsie in die swart gemeenskap van Mamelodi te eksploreer. Die steekproef is saamgestel uit 'n groep van 40 gesinne met 'n epileptikus in hul midde. Inlighting is verkry deur groep van onderhoudskedule. Die literatuurstudie beklemtoon die volgende: die verskynsel van epilepsie, oorsake van epilepsie, psigososiale gevolge van epilepsie op die per soon met epilepsie en sy gesin en die behandeling van die epileptikus. Dit het egter duidelik na vore gekom dat 'n multi-dissiplinere spanbenadering van die uiterste belang is in die behandeling van die epilepsielyer. Dit het ook duidelik geword dat betekenisvolle ander persone soos tradisionele genesers, geloofsgenesers priesters, familie en vriende van die mees belangrike steunstelsels is. Alhoewel bevindinge van die studie nie veralgemeen kan word en van toepassing gemaak kan word op die bevolking as geheel nie, kan dit egter van groot belang vir verdere navorsing wees. / Social Work / M.A. (Social Science)

This thesis presents a case study of Canada’s first Black owned radio station, FLOW 93.5 FM, to demonstrate how official multiculturalism, in its formulation and implementation, negates Canada’s history of slavery and racial inequality. As a response to diversity, multiculturalism shifts the focus away from racial inequality to cultural difference. Consequently, Black self-determination is unauthorized. By investigating FLOW’s radio license applications, programming and advertisements, this thesis reveals just how the vision of a Black focus radio station dissolved in order to fit the practical and ideological framework of multiculturalism so that Blackness could be easily commodified. This thesis concludes that FLOW is not a Black radio station but instead is a multicultural radio station – one that specifically markets a de-politicized Blackness. As a result, multiculturalism poses serious consequences for imagining and engaging with Blackness as a politics that may address the needs of Black communities in Canada.