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This research using quantitative and qualitative methods studied the psychosocial well-being of marginalised youth of African descent in South Africa. The study of well-being amongst the youth has been the focus of many research studies in the past two decades (Bach, 2011; Koen, 2010; Ungar, 2005); hence the continuing intellectual debate on the best possible ways to promote youth well-being (Koen, 2010; Shah, Graidage, & Valencia, 2005; Van Schalkwyk, 2010). The major shift within the psychological sphere, i.e. from the illness model to positive psychology focusing on the enhancement of human capabilities as well as well-being (Seligman, 2004), has resulted in a greater need for studies exploring well-being, especially amongst the youth of South Africa. This study of psychosocial well-being was conducted in line with, amongst other theories, the Keyes and Lopez (2002) theory of complete mental health, viewing mental health as not only the absence of mental illness, but as high levels of functioning in the psychological, emotional and social dimensions of human behaviour. Of particular interest to the current author was the degree to which marginalised African youth could experience psychosocial well-being, considered against Jahoda‟s (1958) view of positive mental health, Ryff‟s psychological well-being model (Ryff, 1989, Ryff & Singer, 1995), Keyes‟ mental health continuum (1998, 2002, 2007), Wissing and Van Eeden‟s (2002) general psychological well-being factor, as well as Seligman‟s PERMA model (2011). Although some youth experience well-being and are flourishing, the urgent need for the development of wellness in youth was indicated by the findings of Keyes (2006) on adolescent mental health. In various studies, it was found that approximately 20% of youth experience mental illness, but Keyes (2006) questioned the quality of mental health of the remaining 80%, since he found that only moderate mental health was experienced in youth aged between 15-18 years. Although there have been a number of studies focusing on young people and their psychosocial well being, there is a lot that still needs to be done in terms of research and intervention. Van Schalkwyk (2009) indicated that although there is a dearth of validated data on the psychosocial well-being of the youth within the South African context; there is a need for more in-depth research on this subject. This study hopes to make a contribution in this regard. A mixed method research design was employed and the first quantitative phase (Article 1) used validated self-report questionnaires to measure the prevalence of psychosocial well-being amongst a group of marginalised African youth (N=794). These instruments measured psychological, emotional and social well-being (Mental Health Continuum-Short Form), coping self-efficacy (Coping Self Efficacy Scale) and symptoms of distress (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale). A structural equation model was identified explaining the relationships between the three constructs used in the research. The second phase of the research (Article 2) was qualitative in nature and it explored, through the use of semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions (N=30), the personal narratives of the participants who (during the quantitative phase) were identified as high, moderate or low in their well-being. Themes and subthemes were identified that gave a qualitative picture of the well-being or lack thereof of the participants. In the third and final phase of the study, the data obtained from the two preceding phases as well as the literature review was used to formulate guidelines with specific strategies. These can be used by professionals working with the youth to help them harness their strengths in order to enhance their psychosocial well-being as well as lessen their symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. Results from the quantitative component of this study was mainly that coping self-efficacy proved to positively explain the variance of mental health and well-being and negatively the symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. Mental health and well-being also proved to be salutary antecedents of symptoms of distress. Themes were analysed from the qualitative data and the following wellness-enhancing themes emerged from the data analysis: altruism, emotional resilience, social strengths, empathy for others, a positive outlook towards life, goals and aspirations, a strong support system, such as a loving and caring mother, and a supportive community. Religion, Christian faith and values further emerged as a common theme across all three groups of participants. The thematic similar findings on wellness-hindering attributes among the participants included loss of family well-being, painful past life experiences, an absent father, emotional turmoil, and poor self-esteem. The results provided by both the empirical components of the study were used in the formulation of guidelines with specific strategies for a strength-based intervention programme aimed at the enhancement of coping self-efficacy and psychosocial well-being amongst the youth. The study was finally evaluated and conclusions were drawn, limitations exposed and recommendations made. / PhD (Psychology)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus,2015

This research using quantitative and qualitative methods studied the psychosocial well-being of marginalised youth of African descent in South Africa. The study of well-being amongst the youth has been the focus of many research studies in the past two decades (Bach, 2011; Koen, 2010; Ungar, 2005); hence the continuing intellectual debate on the best possible ways to promote youth well-being (Koen, 2010; Shah, Graidage, & Valencia, 2005; Van Schalkwyk, 2010). The major shift within the psychological sphere, i.e. from the illness model to positive psychology focusing on the enhancement of human capabilities as well as well-being (Seligman, 2004), has resulted in a greater need for studies exploring well-being, especially amongst the youth of South Africa. This study of psychosocial well-being was conducted in line with, amongst other theories, the Keyes and Lopez (2002) theory of complete mental health, viewing mental health as not only the absence of mental illness, but as high levels of functioning in the psychological, emotional and social dimensions of human behaviour. Of particular interest to the current author was the degree to which marginalised African youth could experience psychosocial well-being, considered against Jahoda‟s (1958) view of positive mental health, Ryff‟s psychological well-being model (Ryff, 1989, Ryff & Singer, 1995), Keyes‟ mental health continuum (1998, 2002, 2007), Wissing and Van Eeden‟s (2002) general psychological well-being factor, as well as Seligman‟s PERMA model (2011). Although some youth experience well-being and are flourishing, the urgent need for the development of wellness in youth was indicated by the findings of Keyes (2006) on adolescent mental health. In various studies, it was found that approximately 20% of youth experience mental illness, but Keyes (2006) questioned the quality of mental health of the remaining 80%, since he found that only moderate mental health was experienced in youth aged between 15-18 years. Although there have been a number of studies focusing on young people and their psychosocial well being, there is a lot that still needs to be done in terms of research and intervention. Van Schalkwyk (2009) indicated that although there is a dearth of validated data on the psychosocial well-being of the youth within the South African context; there is a need for more in-depth research on this subject. This study hopes to make a contribution in this regard. A mixed method research design was employed and the first quantitative phase (Article 1) used validated self-report questionnaires to measure the prevalence of psychosocial well-being amongst a group of marginalised African youth (N=794). These instruments measured psychological, emotional and social well-being (Mental Health Continuum-Short Form), coping self-efficacy (Coping Self Efficacy Scale) and symptoms of distress (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale). A structural equation model was identified explaining the relationships between the three constructs used in the research. The second phase of the research (Article 2) was qualitative in nature and it explored, through the use of semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions (N=30), the personal narratives of the participants who (during the quantitative phase) were identified as high, moderate or low in their well-being. Themes and subthemes were identified that gave a qualitative picture of the well-being or lack thereof of the participants. In the third and final phase of the study, the data obtained from the two preceding phases as well as the literature review was used to formulate guidelines with specific strategies. These can be used by professionals working with the youth to help them harness their strengths in order to enhance their psychosocial well-being as well as lessen their symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. Results from the quantitative component of this study was mainly that coping self-efficacy proved to positively explain the variance of mental health and well-being and negatively the symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. Mental health and well-being also proved to be salutary antecedents of symptoms of distress. Themes were analysed from the qualitative data and the following wellness-enhancing themes emerged from the data analysis: altruism, emotional resilience, social strengths, empathy for others, a positive outlook towards life, goals and aspirations, a strong support system, such as a loving and caring mother, and a supportive community. Religion, Christian faith and values further emerged as a common theme across all three groups of participants. The thematic similar findings on wellness-hindering attributes among the participants included loss of family well-being, painful past life experiences, an absent father, emotional turmoil, and poor self-esteem. The results provided by both the empirical components of the study were used in the formulation of guidelines with specific strategies for a strength-based intervention programme aimed at the enhancement of coping self-efficacy and psychosocial well-being amongst the youth. The study was finally evaluated and conclusions were drawn, limitations exposed and recommendations made. / PhD (Psychology)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus,2015

Mental health issues have been the primary focus of much of the health research concerning lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals over the previous decade. Studies have demonstrated that LGB individuals experience psychological distress due to prejudice and discrimination (Lewis, Derlega, Berndt, Morris, & Rose, 2002; Meyer, Schwartz, & Frost, 2008; Rostosky, Riggle, Horne, & Miller, 2009). Health researchers have not given the physical health of LGB individuals the same level of attention (Dibble, Eliason, & Christiansen, 2007). The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA; 2001) asserted that little was known about LGB physical health disparities and called for more research in this area. However, the Institute of Medicine (2011) showed that comparatively little is known about LGB physical health. There is growing evidence from population-based studies that LGB individuals may be at greater risk than heterosexuals for many physical health conditions (Cochran & Mays, 2007; Dilley, Simmons, Boysun, Pizacani, & Stark, 2010; Sandfort, Bakker, Schellevis, & Vanwesenbeeck, 2009). Many of these studies (e.g., Cochran & Mays, 2007; Sandfort et al., 2009) referred to the stigmatization of LGB individuals; however, none of these studies empirically explored the relation between stigmatization and physical health in LGB individuals. The goal of this study was to test the utility of Meyer’s (2003) minority stress model as a means of explaining the physical health of LGB individuals in the context of a heterosexist society. This study investigated empirical questions about minority stress factors, physical health, and coping self-efficacy (CSE) of LGB individuals. Five-hundred fifteen LGBidentified adult participants (n = 222 women and n = 293 men) were recruited to complete a web-based survey. Participants were primarily recruited through online forums sponsored by LGB-affirming organizations. Results indicated that higher expectations of rejection based on sexual identity, internalized homonegativity, and LGBbased victimization predicted greater reported physical symptoms severity (PSS). CSE fully mediated the relation between expectation of rejection and physical symptom severity and internalized homonegativity and PSS. CSE partially mediated the relation between victimization and PSS. The document proposed several clinical and systemic interventions that may benefit physical health in LGB individuals.

High levels of HIV stigma are reported for people living with HIV or AIDS (PLHA) and PLHA have to cope with this. These experiences may differ in a rural and urban setting. Obtaining a true reflection of the level of HIV stigma experienced by PLHA in a rural and urban setting and their level of coping self-efficacy, while dealing with this stigma, will be helpful in planning future intervention strategies. The study aims to compare qualitative expressed experiences with quantitative measures of levels of HIV stigma and coping self-efficacy of PLHA in a rural and urban setting. Secondly the aim is to establish the relationship between the levels of HIV stigma experiences of PLHA and coping self-efficacy of PLHA. The study took place in the North West Province, in both a rural (n=12) and urban (n=11) setting. Participants were selected by means of purposive sampling. A convergent parallel design was used within a mixed method approach. In-depth interviews provided qualitative data. Quantitative data came from two scales, the HIV and AIDS stigma scale-PLWA (HASI-P) (Holzemer et al., 2007a) and the Coping self-efficacy scale (CSE) (Chesney, Neilands, Chambers, Taylor, & Folkman, 2006). The study revealed that HIV stigma does exist, and is experienced by PLHA in the North West province in both a rural and an urban setting with no significant difference. Qualitative data confirmed the results of the HIV stigma measure, and also provided a rich understanding of the differences in contexts between the two settings. Additional types of stigma found to those included in the HASI-P point to shifts in the way people and communities experience HIV stigma. Results of the CSE scale showed that PLHA from both rural and urban settings employed the three types of coping self-efficacy as described by Chesney et al. (2006), with no significant difference between the two groups. Statistical correlations within the HASI-P revealed correlations between certain types of stigma experienced, indicating that HIV stigma is not experienced in a single dimension but can extend to more than one area of the lives of PLHA. Correlations within the CSE scale illustrate that ways PLHA cope may be related to each other Recommendations focus on further research options, policy development and implementation in practice. The goals of the research were reached in that it was confirmed that HIV stigma and coping self-efficacy of PLHA in rural and urban settings, using qualitative and quantitative methods, does exist. The relationship between HIV stigma and coping self-efficacy of PLHA was established through the correlation of scales and through the evidence found during in-depth interviews; that HIV stigma exists and that PLHA develop coping self-efficacy to deal with it. / Thesis (MA (Research Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

High levels of HIV stigma are reported for people living with HIV or AIDS (PLHA) and PLHA have to cope with this. These experiences may differ in a rural and urban setting. Obtaining a true reflection of the level of HIV stigma experienced by PLHA in a rural and urban setting and their level of coping self-efficacy, while dealing with this stigma, will be helpful in planning future intervention strategies. The study aims to compare qualitative expressed experiences with quantitative measures of levels of HIV stigma and coping self-efficacy of PLHA in a rural and urban setting. Secondly the aim is to establish the relationship between the levels of HIV stigma experiences of PLHA and coping self-efficacy of PLHA. The study took place in the North West Province, in both a rural (n=12) and urban (n=11) setting. Participants were selected by means of purposive sampling. A convergent parallel design was used within a mixed method approach. In-depth interviews provided qualitative data. Quantitative data came from two scales, the HIV and AIDS stigma scale-PLWA (HASI-P) (Holzemer et al., 2007a) and the Coping self-efficacy scale (CSE) (Chesney, Neilands, Chambers, Taylor, & Folkman, 2006). The study revealed that HIV stigma does exist, and is experienced by PLHA in the North West province in both a rural and an urban setting with no significant difference. Qualitative data confirmed the results of the HIV stigma measure, and also provided a rich understanding of the differences in contexts between the two settings. Additional types of stigma found to those included in the HASI-P point to shifts in the way people and communities experience HIV stigma. Results of the CSE scale showed that PLHA from both rural and urban settings employed the three types of coping self-efficacy as described by Chesney et al. (2006), with no significant difference between the two groups. Statistical correlations within the HASI-P revealed correlations between certain types of stigma experienced, indicating that HIV stigma is not experienced in a single dimension but can extend to more than one area of the lives of PLHA. Correlations within the CSE scale illustrate that ways PLHA cope may be related to each other Recommendations focus on further research options, policy development and implementation in practice. The goals of the research were reached in that it was confirmed that HIV stigma and coping self-efficacy of PLHA in rural and urban settings, using qualitative and quantitative methods, does exist. The relationship between HIV stigma and coping self-efficacy of PLHA was established through the correlation of scales and through the evidence found during in-depth interviews; that HIV stigma exists and that PLHA develop coping self-efficacy to deal with it. / Thesis (MA (Research Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

Research on human resilience has attempted to uncover how certain individuals, even when faced with adverse working conditions can bounce back without serious psychological harm and continue their development. There is a paucity of information on the concept resilience as it pertains to professional nurses. Relevant information in this regard can equip nurses who are fleeing the profession, or who are becoming physically or mentally ill because they are not coping. Information on the prevalence of resilience in professional nurses and a better understanding of the coping skills and resilient adaptations of identified resilient professional nurses can lead to the formulation of guidelines with strategies for interventions that can facilitate growth in professional nurses and be of benefit to the health care service. This research investigated the prevalence of resilience in professional nurses and listened to the stories of identified resilient professional nurses in order to get a better understanding of their coping skills and resilient adaptations. The data was used to formulate broad guidelines with specific strategies that can be used by hospital managers for in-service training purposes and other programs to facilitate growth in professional nurses. The research was conducted in South Africa amongst nurses in private and public hospitals in the following suburban areas: Potchefstroom, Carletonvi1le, Randfontein and Krugersdorp. A sequential exploratory design was used where one phase is followed by another phase: the first phase was quantitative research conducted with validated psychometric instruments measuring aspects of resilience, namely: The Mental Health Continuum, The Coping Self-efficacy Scale, Sense of Coherence Scale, The Adult Dispositional Hope Scale. The Life Orientation Test-Revised, The Resilience Scale, and The General Health Questionnaire. The second phase was qualitative and explored the stories of the resilient professional nurses by requesting them to write their stories on how they manage to stay resilient and compassionate in the profession followed by focus group interviews also with resilient nurses. The prevalence of resilience in the professional nurses in the first phase indicated the following: 10% with low resilience, 47% as moderate and 43 % with high resilience, but with mostly negative feelings toward the profession and with many considering leaving their current job. The stories followed by focus group interviews with resilient professional nurses produced useful data that could be used to formulate guidelines with strategies for interventions to facilitate and enhance resilience and psycho-social well-being in professional nurses thereby improving the nursing profession and health care service overall. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Psychology))--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2010

Research on human resilience has attempted to uncover how certain individuals, even when faced with adverse working conditions can bounce back without serious psychological harm and continue their development. There is a paucity of information on the concept resilience as it pertains to professional nurses. Relevant information in this regard can equip nurses who are fleeing the profession, or who are becoming physically or mentally ill because they are not coping. Information on the prevalence of resilience in professional nurses and a better understanding of the coping skills and resilient adaptations of identified resilient professional nurses can lead to the formulation of guidelines with strategies for interventions that can facilitate growth in professional nurses and be of benefit to the health care service. This research investigated the prevalence of resilience in professional nurses and listened to the stories of identified resilient professional nurses in order to get a better understanding of their coping skills and resilient adaptations. The data was used to formulate broad guidelines with specific strategies that can be used by hospital managers for in-service training purposes and other programs to facilitate growth in professional nurses. The research was conducted in South Africa amongst nurses in private and public hospitals in the following suburban areas: Potchefstroom, Carletonvi1le, Randfontein and Krugersdorp. A sequential exploratory design was used where one phase is followed by another phase: the first phase was quantitative research conducted with validated psychometric instruments measuring aspects of resilience, namely: The Mental Health Continuum, The Coping Self-efficacy Scale, Sense of Coherence Scale, The Adult Dispositional Hope Scale. The Life Orientation Test-Revised, The Resilience Scale, and The General Health Questionnaire. The second phase was qualitative and explored the stories of the resilient professional nurses by requesting them to write their stories on how they manage to stay resilient and compassionate in the profession followed by focus group interviews also with resilient nurses. The prevalence of resilience in the professional nurses in the first phase indicated the following: 10% with low resilience, 47% as moderate and 43 % with high resilience, but with mostly negative feelings toward the profession and with many considering leaving their current job. The stories followed by focus group interviews with resilient professional nurses produced useful data that could be used to formulate guidelines with strategies for interventions to facilitate and enhance resilience and psycho-social well-being in professional nurses thereby improving the nursing profession and health care service overall. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Psychology))--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2010

Traumatic experiences, such as natural disasters, do not only cause people to suffer from material and financial losses, but they can lead to a maladaptive regulation of the stress response and to the onset of stress-induced psychopathology. Traumatic stress has been shown to alter brain structures and functions involved in the stress response. It has also been linked to the dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, an overactive sympathetic nervous system with elevated cortisol and norepinephrine levels. These neurobiological alterations can make some individuals more vulnerable to the development of depression and anxiety disorders. A dose-response relationship between trauma severity and psychopathology has been found in previous research. Research has also revealed that a person’s perceived ability to cope with hardship, coping self-efficacy (CSE), is related to decreased vulnerability or resilience to stress. In the study carried out in the framework of this thesis, associations between the severity of traumatic exposure and CSE with posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and generalized anxiety disorder were examined in a sample (N = 105) of Nepalese flood victims. Participants (18-90 years old) answered a questionnaire carried out via interview. Results showed that there were no significant correlations between flood related trauma severity and depression or anxiety. However, findings showed that higher CSE was associated with fewer depressive symptoms. Future studies in Nepal should directly investigate this association as well as possible interventions aimed at enhancing CSE and whether such interventions can reduce symptoms of depression.

Little has been published regarding BSW students' perceived stress, coping self-efficacy, and self-care. A preexperimental study, with one qualitative question, was used to determine the effects of a self-care course on students' perceived stress scores (PSS), coping self-efficacy scores (CSES), and subjective experiences. Nineteen undergraduate students participated. Mean age of participants was 25, 90% were female, and most were Caucasian. The average CSES was 161.42 (SD=41.57) at pretest and 180.72 (SD=34.97) at posttest. A statistically significant difference in mean scores was found (t=−2.109, p=.05). The average PSS was 17.58 (SD=8.50) at pretest and 14.83 (SD=5.607) at posttest. Students' subjective experiences with the course were positive, and 79% noted that their understanding of self-care changed. Despite the small sample and lack of diversity, the study's contribution is noteworthy. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to examine the impact of a 3-credit course on self-care for BSW students.