This study provides an orientation towards coping with stress management through salutogenic functioning. Six constructs, namely, sense of coherence, hardiness, self-efficacy, potency, learned resourcefulness and locus of control, were studied as it manifest amongst random sampled university administrative staff. The literature review focused on salutogenic functioning, coping and stress, integrated in the salutogenic personality profile. The results from the research revealed positive correlations between external locus of control and self-efficacy and meaningfulness, autonomy and self control, internal locus of control and meaningfulness, internal locus of control and meaningfulness, challenge and meaningfulness. Negative correlations existed between autonomy and self-efficacy and comprehensibility, potency and all locus of control dimensions, males and females differed in their self control and external control, black africans had the lowest score on external control, and there was no relationship between age and the constructs. Conclusions and recommendations were made regarding the optimisation of salutogenic functioning among university administrative staff. / Industrial and Organisational Psychology / M.A. (Industrial and Organisational Psychology)

The literature survey reports that persons electing cosmetic plastic surgery for aesthetic or medical reasons, or those persons not electing any form of surgery, often experience physical, psychological and socio-cultural problems. The complexity among the associated variables, body images, identity status, fashionable clothing behaviour and social self-consciousness were investigated comparatively, using a biopsychosocial approach. The samples consisted of cosmetic surgery patients (n=25), Black and White female fashion participants (n=60) and breast oncology case studies (n=3). The research methods included descriptive and inferential statistics. A maximum of six questionnaires was administered per individual. The results indicated that a positive body image perception was related to identity integrity, fashionable dressing and a sense of social acceptance. Insight into the importance placed on the body as a means of self-expression can contribute to successful cosmetic and breast oncology surgery and also promote intercultural harmony, by reducing body-based prejudice. / Psychology / M.A. (Psychology)

Content removed due to copyright restriction: Jones, L. M. (2004). Focus on fillings: A qualitative health study of people medically diagnosed with mercury poisoning, linked to dental amalgam. Acta Neuropsychiatrica, 16(3), 142-148. Jones, L. (1999). Dental amalgam and health experience: Exploring health outcomes and issues for people medically diagnosed with mercury poisoning. The Bulletin, 97, 29-33. / The longstanding debate over the safety of mercury in dentistry has latterly moved from scientific argument to public health dilemma. Mercury is a neurotoxin. Adverse psychological outcomes can result from exposure, so The Quicksilver Quest aimed to investigate mercury in dentistry from a qualitative, critical health psychology perspective, and a quantitative, neuropsychology assessment. The qualitative study used focus group methodology to explore micro-mercurialism linked to dental amalgam fillings. A random sample of people, who had been medically diagnosed with mercury poisoning, formed seven focus groups. The discussion of experiences, beliefs, and health was analysed for themes and issues. The main findings were that the participants were not a homogeneous group, as had been anticipated, but fell into categories differentiated by their symptoms, fiscal resources, and motivation. A placebo effect was rejected as an exclusive explanation for the positive health outcomes reported by those who had had amalgam removal and detoxification. The quantitative study investigated the long-term effects of occupational mercury exposure on a cohort of women in dentistry. The aim was to test the null hypothesis: that women who endured high occupational mercury exposure in the 1970s (43 participants), and matched controls (32 participants), would show no between-group differences on a general and reproductive health survey, and a nine-test neurobehavioural assessment. Results generally supported accepting the null hypothesis. Significant exceptions were current symptom experience, reproductive health, and two mood subscales. There was a suggestion of peripheral nerve damage in the exposed group. Overall, the general discussion systematically reviews tension points in the debate, in light of a proposed model of tolerance to mercury. This begins to explain how it might appear that mercury in dentistry is safe for dental personnel, as pro-amalgam debaters claim, yet unsafe for some dental patients, as anti-amalgam debaters claim. Further study is suggested for occupationally exposed women, on tremor, and to test the proposed tolerance to mercury model. Finally, as the debate has a political aspect, a recommendation is made for a shift in public health policy to dental amalgam being restricted to use only in an adult population.

Engineers and scientists have to cope with the challenges of a complex work environment. This study investigated the relationship between burnout, coping and sense of coherence amongst engineers and scientists. The Maslach Burnout Inventory, COPE and Sense of Coherence questionnaires were used. The study was conducted with 272 engineers and scientists at a global petro-chemical company with its head office based in South Africa. A theoretical relationship was determined and an empirical investigation provided evidence of such a relationship. The results confirmed a relationship between burnout, coping and sense of coherence amongst engineers and scientists. / Industrial and Organisational Psychology / M. Com. (Industrial and Organisational Psychology)

This study provides an orientation towards coping with stress management through salutogenic functioning. Six constructs, namely, sense of coherence, hardiness, self-efficacy, potency, learned resourcefulness and locus of control, were studied as it manifest amongst random sampled university administrative staff. The literature review focused on salutogenic functioning, coping and stress, integrated in the salutogenic personality profile. The results from the research revealed positive correlations between external locus of control and self-efficacy and meaningfulness, autonomy and self control, internal locus of control and meaningfulness, internal locus of control and meaningfulness, challenge and meaningfulness. Negative correlations existed between autonomy and self-efficacy and comprehensibility, potency and all locus of control dimensions, males and females differed in their self control and external control, black africans had the lowest score on external control, and there was no relationship between age and the constructs. Conclusions and recommendations were made regarding the optimisation of salutogenic functioning among university administrative staff. / Industrial and Organisational Psychology / M.A. (Industrial and Organisational Psychology)

Historically the trend in health care has been the domain of health care professionals such as doctors, nurses and other professionals from the medical fraternity. This created the separation between the mind and body, due to the diagnostic and treatment origins being segregated. This thesis addresses the idea that psychological processes have significant impacts on our physical health {and visa versa). It establishes the notion that health care needs to be understood holistically, from a broader systemic perspective, expanding the working model of health. The second chapter of this thesis addresses the power of the mind and the connection between the mind and body. It establishes the importance of beliefs and perceptions and the huge effect this has on people and their lives. How we choose to perceive a situation will give that situation meaning. The meanings that we give to events usually depict how we will see and respond to that event, sometimes more than the actual event itself. It explains the importance of the mind (psychological issues) as well as the body (physiological issues) when understanding and dealing with health and wellbeing. The following chapter discusses the historical developments of physical and mental health; from Hippocrates and Descartes to a modern holistic approach and attitude. Behaviour Medicine6, explicitly recognises that mind and body are intimately interconnected and that an appreciation of these interconnections and their scientific study is an interdisciplinary field, uniting the behavioural sciences with the biomedical sciences; in the hope that the cross fertilization will yield a more comprehensive picture of health and illness. The 'biopsychosocial model'7 provides a theoretical framework, explaining how an awareness of biological, psychological and social process are all important in understanding disease and recovery, supported by systemic principles. The scientific research and practical implications of psychoneuroimmunology8 (PNI) takes this biopsychosocial model one-step further. It describes how thoughts, perceptions and emotions have interchangeable influences with brain chemistry, which in turn influences the body and neurological systems1 particularly immune system functioning. The concept that we all have an inner ability /intelligence to heal ourselves is also detailed. Miller (1997: 350) discusses this notion, stating that we all have "a healer within." He states that this inner healer can be awakened in order to participate in "our deep healing.11 He claims, "This vital essence has been with us since birth ... Its function is to maintain homeostasis (internal balance). As humans, we can1 through our ability to change our images and beliefs, enhance, or inhibit the power of this inner healer." The concepts discussed thus far in the thesis are then demonstrated practically. The relationship between stress and health is examined and practical ways to maintain a healthier lifestyle is detailed. The researcher then introduces a South African company that is currently working in the field with the concepts of mindbody medicine and psychoneuroimmunology. This led the researcher to find a philosophical container in which to hold the holistic mind body theories and concepts. Anderson & Carter (2003: 222) states, "Social work distinguishes itself by exploring the 'person-environment fit'. This is an area in social work where constructivism may prove supportive. Such an emphasis increases the likelihood that diverse voices and points of view are integrated in social work theory and practice." Therefore/ a constructive epistemology/ philosophy in which meaning is intimately connected with experience, is expanded upon. The mind/body theory and concepts are then linked to Constructivism and Personal Construct Theory (by George Kelly). Constructivism postulates that we all create and interpret our own meaning systems, which become our subjective realities. The link to mind body medicine is pertinent in that both constructivism and mind body medicine share similar ideologies about how realities are construed, and how this in turn effects treatment of disease and maintenance of wellbeing. Cybernetic complementarities then expand our understanding of the mind and body connection in a monolistic framework, where mind and body are recursive partial arcs of a holistic health care system. Constructivism therefore integrates eastern and western concepts, cementing all the concepts used in this thesis, in a holistic manner. It also helps us to understand how some of the mind body techniques may be working within the mind body realm. Given the unique needs of a changing and developing society, as found in South Africa, there is a need to be creative and find alternative ways to cope with our societal stresses and daily occurrences. This is where the researcher feels that the social work profession needs to be involved in working and contributing to our health care services. The development of medical social work is detailed and the latest social work definition discussed. It is reveals how contents of the definition of social work are relevant and are a pertinent fit with mind-body approaches to health and wellbeing. The researcher debates the role of social workers in this field of health care. It is then proposed, in the detailed discussion, that social workers practising in this field should be known as Health Care Social Workers. This field of holistic health care has many proposed strengths and implication, for both Health Care Social Workers and other health care professionals. It will naturally also present challenges that need to be considered and contemplated. The final chapter of this thesis examine these strengths and challenges and their therapeutic implications. The researcher concludes by demonstrating that the literature study on holistic mind and body approaches matches her objectives from the first chapter. / Social work / M.A. (Social Science with specialisation in Mental Health)

The literature survey reports that persons electing cosmetic plastic surgery for aesthetic or medical reasons, or those persons not electing any form of surgery, often experience physical, psychological and socio-cultural problems. The complexity among the associated variables, body images, identity status, fashionable clothing behaviour and social self-consciousness were investigated comparatively, using a biopsychosocial approach. The samples consisted of cosmetic surgery patients (n=25), Black and White female fashion participants (n=60) and breast oncology case studies (n=3). The research methods included descriptive and inferential statistics. A maximum of six questionnaires was administered per individual. The results indicated that a positive body image perception was related to identity integrity, fashionable dressing and a sense of social acceptance. Insight into the importance placed on the body as a means of self-expression can contribute to successful cosmetic and breast oncology surgery and also promote intercultural harmony, by reducing body-based prejudice. / Psychology / M.A. (Psychology)

The aim of the dissertation was to investigate the demographical differences on Work-SoC, and the relationship between work-related sense of coherence (Work-SoC) and work engagement in a motor retail organisation in Gauteng. The Work-related sense of coherence (Work-SoC) scale, Utrecht work engagement (UWES-9) scale and a biographical questionnaire were applied in the data collection from 326 employees in a motor retail organisation in Gauteng. The results indicated a strong relationship between Work-SoC and work engagement and that Work-SoC does predict work engagement. Except for tenure and gender, all demographical variables showed statistically significant mean differences on Work-SoC. The study has added valuable knowledge to the existing literature as it was the first to investigate mean differences on Work-SoC for different demographical groups and also investigate the relationship between Work-SoC and work engagement in the South African environment. / Industrial and Organisational Psychology / M. Com. (Industrial and Organisational Psychology)

A motivação para desenvolver esse estudo surgiu a partir de uma longa trajetória de trabalho junto a diversas equipes de Recursos Humanos inseridas nas organizações. Durante essa caminhada pôde-se analisar, conviver e intervir em inúmeros conflitos, cujas partes envolvidas, os trabalhadores, apresentavam divergências acerca de processos organizacionais de diversas naturezas. Essa experiência levou-nos a observar que as práticas psicológicas nas organizações parecem privilegiar os aspectos voltados aos objetivos institucionais e gerenciais em detrimento aos aspectos biopsicossociais dos trabalhadores que as demandam. Essa percepção nos impulsionou a investigar a ação do profissional de psicologia nas organizações e a problematizar a sua escuta clínica ao lidar com os conflitos que surgem entre os trabalhadores. De forma específica, nos interessamos por compreender as ações desenvolvidas por esses profissionais e as demandas que emergem dos conflitos vividos no mundo do trabalho. Outra questão, de mesmo peso, diz respeito à contribuição da escuta clínica e da formação em psicologia para as estratégias interventivas adotadas frente ao sofrimento do trabalhador. Soma-se às razões advindas de nossa prática profissional junto às organizações, os estudos e pesquisas desenvolvidas por diversos autores que foram trabalhados ao longo do texto e que serviram de aporte teórico a esta dissertação. Para a compreensão do campo a ser investigado, realizou-se uma entrevista semidirigida com sete profissionais de psicologia que possuem vínculo empregatício na área de Recursos Humanos de suas respectivas organizações, sendo seis da iniciativa privada e uma da administração pública, todas situadas na região metropolitana de Recife/PE. Através da análise dos conteúdos explicitados por eixos temáticos e da elaboração de núcleos de sentidos, as narrativas obtidas permitiram-nos compreender que a ação do psicólogo nas organizações é caracterizada, principalmente, por um discurso e uma escuta calcada nos objetivos institucionais, visando uma operacionalidade e produtividade do trabalhador. Também nos revelaram que são muitos os desafios enfrentados pelos profissionais, considerando-se, sobretudo, a condição de estarem, também, na posição de empregados, fato que favorece a adoção do discurso organizacional, da servidão voluntária e do gerencialismo. Pretende-se que os resultados dessa pesquisa possam contribuir para a formação de uma postura crítica e reflexiva na ação profissional dos psicólogos nas organizações, de forma a lhes oferecer subsídios para uma escuta voltada às reais necessidades dos empregados que demandam pelas suas intervenções. Espera-se, ainda, que este estudo possa oferecer para esses profissionais, uma melhor compreensão dos conflitos que se revelam no âmbito do trabalho, relacionando-os às possibilidades de ressignificação do sofrimento do trabalhador

Esta dissertação buscou investigar a experiência de filhos que possuem a mãe ou o pai internado em uma UTI e as estratégias de enfrentamento utilizadas por eles nesta situação. O trabalho está organizado em duas partes: Um artigo teórico, baseado em um levantamento bibliográfico realizado nas seguintes bases de dados: Scielo, Bireme, Psychinfo. Na pesquisa bibliográfica não foram encontrados estudos que foquem um grau de parentesco específico de pacientes, exceto quando se trata de pesquisas com pais de bebês em UTI Neonatal; há escassez de estudos que investiguem as estratégias de enfrentamento utilizadas por estes familiares nesta situação e não foram localizadas pesquisas que utilizem técnicas qualitativas e quantitativas, simultaneamente. A partir destas constatações foi realizado um estudo empírico enfocando estes aspectos. Tal pesquisa teve um caráter qualitativo-quantitativo. Os participantes foram 30 filhos de pacientes em UTI. Os instrumentos escolhidos foram: uma Ficha Sócio-Demográfica; o Inventário de Estratégias de Coping, de Folkman e Lazarus (1985), adaptado por Savóia et al (1996) e uma Entrevista Semi-Estruturada. Com o Inventário foram verificadas as estratégias de enfrentamento predominantes, a saber: Reavaliação Positiva (97%); Suporte Social (93%) e Resolução de Problemas (77%). Foi realizado o cálculo dos coeficientes de Correlação de Spearman entre as 66 questões do Inventário e algumas variáveis: Religião que apresentou correlação negativa com o item 51; Faixa etária acima de 50 anos apresentou correlação positiva e negativa com as questões 14 e 31, respectivamente; Escolaridade (nível superior) teve correlação positiva com as questões 2 e 61 e negativa com os itens 25 e 32 e houve associação entre a filiação (filhos com a mãe na UTI) com as questões 2, 3, 12, 25, 27, 34, 35 e 39. Apesar disso, não é possível afirmar que existe correlação significativa positiva ou negativa entre estas variáveis e determinadas estratégias. Com as entrevistas constataram-se os sentimentos negativos: sofrimento, preocupação, medo da morte e susto; o fato de o paciente ficar a maior parte do tempo sozinho (a) é o que mais os preocupa; a rotina de vida dos filhos fica prejudicada diante da internação do pai/mãe; como formas de reestruturação positiva foram apontados os crescimentos pessoal, espiritual e profissional e, por fim, os participantes se mostraram satisfeitos com o tratamento que lhes é dispensado e aos seus familiares enfermos pela equipe do hospital. Estes resultados reforçam a necessidade da criação de Programas de Qualidade de Vida dos Familiares de pacientes em UTI. Isso poderia proporcionar um espaço de fala, escuta e troca de experiências, onde os mesmos poderiam ressaltar, inclusive, as fantasias referentes ao cenário da UTI, bem como as estratégias de enfrentamento utilizadas neste período de internação do familiar / This dissertation aimed to investigate the experience and coping strategies of sons and daughters whose mother or father are hospitalized in an Intensive Care Unit. The study is divided in two parts: A theoretical paper, based on a bibliographic review of SCIELO, BIREME and PSYCHINFO databases. In such review, studies focusing on specific relatives were not found, except when it comes to parents whose babies are in Neonatal Intensive Care; there is a lack of investigations on coping strategies used by relatives in this situation and studies using both qualitative and quantitative methods were not found. Considering this, an empirical research was carried on focusing on such aspects, with a qualitative-quantitative approach. Participants were 30 sons or daughters of patients in ICUs. Chosen instruments were: a socio-demographic form; the Coping Strategies Inventory by Folkman and Lazarus (1985), adapted by Savóia and cols (1996); and a semi-structured interview. The Inventory allowed the identification of the following predominant coping strategies: Positive Reappraisal (97%); Social Support (93%) and Problem Solving (77%). Spearman correlation coefficients were estimated for the 66 questions on the Inventory and some variables: Religion presented negative correlation with item 51; Age above 50 presented positive and negative correlations with items 14 and 31, respectively; Education (university level) presented positive correlation with items 2 and 61 and negative correlation with items 25 and 32. There was an association between parenthood (sons with mothers in UCI) and questions 2, 3, 12, 25, 27, 34, 35 e 39. Despite that, it is not possible to stand that there is a significant positive or negative correlation among these variables and specific coping strategies. The following negative feelings where verified on the interviews: suffering, preoccupation, fear of death and shock; the fact that the patient spends most of the time alone is the biggest source of concern; the relatives routine is impaired due to the parents hospitalization. Personal, spiritual and professional growth came out as positive reappraisal and participants were satisfied with the hospital staff attention regarding themselves and their parents. These results reinforce the need of a Life Quality Program for Relatives with parents in ICU, which could promote an opportunity to talk, listen and exchange experiences, including their fantasies regarding the ICU scenario, as well as coping strategies used during the period their parents are hospitalized