Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Post-operative laryngectomy patients face various physical, psychological and social challenges. The comprehensive effects of a total laryngectomy can have an adverse impact on the patient and his or her family. Because improved medical treatment can increase the life expectancy of cancer sufferers, psychosocial guidance is required over an extended period. Unfortunately, limited information on the coping strategies of such patients is available. The social work profession could benefit from greater insight into the strengths and coping mechanisms of post-operative cancer patients in order to guide them through their survivorship journey with insight and compassion. The researcher therefore aimed to explore and describe the experience of a patient and his/her close family while coping with the long-term challenges of a laryngectomy. The objectives were: (1) to discuss the nature of cancer survivorship, (2) to describe the medical aspects of and physical re-adjustments to a laryngectomy, (3) to discuss principles and strategies for coping and surviving a laryngectomy, (4) to describe the comprehensive psychosocial effects during the permanent survival phase and re-entry into society; (5) to explore the survivorship journey of laryngectomy patients and their families, and (6) to analyse and interpret data obtained from the study. Each of the survivorship phases as contextualised by Miller et al. (2008:369-374)* is discussed in the literature review. Both the ecological and the strengths perspective were utilised as the theoretical framework for this study. Principles of the strengths perspective focus on the inherent strengths that help patients cope with this traumatic life event, while the ecological perspective focuses on the utilisation of community resources in order to survive the laryngectomy experience. A combination of exploratory and descriptive designs was applied throughout the study to gain insight into the survival experience of post-operative laryngectomy patients and their families. The research question was: “What are patients’ and families’ experiences of surviving a laryngectomy with the assistance of internal and external resources within the family system and environment?” This question was addressed by combining the quantitative and qualitative research approaches. Forty-five post laryngectomy patients and fifteen family members, representing one-third of these patients, were included in the study through purposive sampling. The study period was from June 2012 to July 2013. The inclusion criteria required: (1) Patients from the service area of the selected hospital who received a total laryngectomy as surgical treatment for an advanced stage of cancer of the larynx or hypopharynx; (2) patients who were operated on not less than three months previously; (3) patients who had already completed their initial treatment and who were attending the follow-up clinic; and (4) patients who had successfully acquired trachea-oesophageal speech. Data obtained from the interviews were organised into themes. Four themes were identified: (1) the need for pre-operative information; (2) experience of physical adjustment; (3) coping and strengths used; and (4) experience of psychosocial effects of surgery and re-entry into society. These themes were divided into sub-themes and categories. The main outcome of the study was that both patients and families mobilise a combination of inner strengths and external resources to adapt to the inevitable physical changes resulting from a laryngectomy. It is therefore recommended that social workers dealing with survivorship cases utilise a combination of the ecological and strengths perspectives to create an environment in which patients can explore their own inner strengths, or to help them link to community resources whilst coping with their survivorship journey. Future research should focus on the long-term psychosocial survival of laryngectomy patients and their families, as it is likely that survivorship will increase in future; the implementation of survivorship programmes for health care professionals to equip them with skills to guide cancer survivors to full utilisation of their own strengths and available community resources; the role of pre- and primary school children/grandchildren in the rehabilitation of laryngectomy patients deserves further investigation. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Laringektomie-pasiënte word ná hul operasie met verskeie liggaamlike, psigiese en sosiale uitdagings gekonfronteer. Die omvattende gevolge van ‘n totale laringektomie kan die pasiënt en sy of haar gesin nadelig affekteer. Aangesien verbeterde mediese behandeling die lewensverwagting van kankerpasiënte kan verleng, word psigososiale ondersteuning oor ‘n langer tydperk benodig. Ongelukkig bestaan daar baie min inligting oor hoe pasiënte kanker hanteer. Die maatskaplike werk beroep kan dus voordeel trek uit beter insig in die hanteringsmeganismes van post-operatiewe kankerpasiënte om hulle met insig en empatie deur hul oorlewingsreis te kan begelei. Die navorser het ten doel gehad om die ondervindings van die kankerpasiënt en sy/haar naby familie tydens hul langtermynhantering van ‘n laringektomie te ondersoek en te beskrywe. Verdere oogmerke van die studie was: (1) om die aard van kankeroorlewing te bespreek; (2) om die mediese aspekte van en liggaamlike aanpassing ná ‘n laringektomie te beskrywe; (3) om die beginsels en strategieë vir ‘n oorwinning oor ‘n laringektomie te bespreek; (4) om die omvattende psigososiale gevolge van die finale oorlewingsfase en hertoetrede tot die gemeenskap te beskrywe; (5) om die oorlewingsreis van die laringektomiepasiënt en sy/haar gesin te ondersoek; en (6) om die resultate van die studie te ontleed en te interpreteer. Elk van die oorlewingsfases soos deur Miller et al. (2008:369-374)* beskrywe, is in die literatuuroorsig bespreek. Die ekologiese en die sterkte-perspektiewe is tesame as teoretiese raamwerk vir die studie gebruik. Die beginsels van die sterkte-perspektief is op die inherente krag van pasiënte gemik, om te bepaal hoe hulle hierdie traumatiese lewensgebeurtenis hanteer, terwyl die ekologiese perspektief op hul aanwending van gemeenskapsbronne om die laringektomie te oorleef, fokus. ‘n Kombinasie van ondersoekende en beskrywende navorsings ontwerpe is deurgaans gebruik om insig in die oorlewingstryd van laringektomiepasiënte en hul gesinne te verkry. Die navorsingsvraag was: “Wat is pasiënte en hul gesinne se ervarings van oorlewing na ‘n laringektomie met die hulp van interne en eksterne hulpbronne in die gesinstruktuur en omgewing?” Kwantitatiewe en kwalitatiewe navorsingsmetodes is gekombineer om hierdie vraag te ondersoek. Vyf-en-veertig laringektomiepasiënte en vyftien gesinslede, wat verteenwoordigend van twee-derdes van die pasiënte was, is met behulp van ‘n doelbewuste steekproef by die studie betrek. Die studie is tussen Junie 2012 en Julie 2013 onderneem. Die insluitingskriteria was: Pasiënte uit die diensgebied van die spesifieke hospitaal wat 'n totale laringektomie as chirurgiese behandeling vir 'n gevorderde stadium van kanker van die larinks of hipofarinks ontvang het; (2) pasiënte wat hul operasie nie meer as drie maande vantevore ondergaan het nie, (3) pasiënte wat reeds hul aanvanklike behandeling voltooi het en wat die opvolgkliniek bywoon, (4) pasiënte wat tragea-esofageale spraak suksesvol bemeester het. Die data, wat deur middel van onderhoude ingesamel is, is in temas gegroepeer. Vier temas is geïdentifiseer: (1) die behoefte aan inligting voor die operasie; (2) ervaring van liggaamlike aanpassing; (3) die hantering van omstandighede en innerlike krag; en (4) ervaring van die psigososiale uitwerking van die operasie en hertoetrede tot die gemeenskap. Hierdie temas is verder in subtemas en kategorieë verdeel. Die belangrikste uitkoms van hierdie studie is dat beide pasiënte en gesinne ‘n kombinasie van hul innerlike krag en eksterne bronne aangewend het om ná die laringektomie by die onafwendbare liggaamlike veranderinge aan te pas. Daar word dus aanbeveel dat maatskaplike werkers wat kankeroorlewendes hanteer, van ‘n kombinasie van die ekologiese en die sterkte-perspektief gebruik maak om ‘n omgewing te skep waarin die pasiënt sy of haar eie innerlike krag kan ontgin, of om pasiënte te help om kontak met gemeenskapsbronne te maak terwyl hulle die oorlewingsreis baasraak. Toekomstige navorsing behoort te fokus op langtermyn psigososiale oorlewing van laringektomie pasiënte en familie met inagneming van die tendens dat kanker pasiënte se oorlewing toeneem; die implementering van opleidingsprogramme vir gesondheidswerkers te fokus om hulle met die nodige kennis toe te rus om kankeroorlewendes te begelei om hul volle krag en alle beskikbare gemeenskapsbronne te gebruik. Daarby verdien die rol van voorskoolse- en laerskoolkinders in die rehabilitasie van laringektomiepasiënte verdere ondersoek.

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The impetus for this study is contextualised within social work teaching and learning and arose from the emergence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) of social work students. The researcher had become increasingly interested in the ways in which these ACEs impacted on students in social work classrooms and felt compelled to enquire what the responses of teaching and learning in social work should be. The rationale for the study was further established by the dearth of research in this focal area. The research goal was to gain an understanding of the experiences of third-year students and the perspectives of social work teachers with regard to the role of adverse childhood experiences during teaching and learning activities and to recommend meaningful teaching practices. There were seven research objectives that focused on obtaining theoretical perspectives from the literature and on exploring and describing the adverse childhood experiences of students within the context of teaching and learning in social work. The research objectives generated the central research question: What are the learning experiences of third-year social work students at a South African university with regard to the role of their own adverse childhood experiences? A qualitative approach and case study design was deemed the most appropriate research philosophy and method to address the study’s objectives and central research question. The case study design was used to explore how individuals (third-year social work students at the University of the Western Cape) experienced a particular phenomenon (in this case adverse childhood experiences) in relation to teaching and learning within a social work context. To provide credence to the two purposes of this research, namely exploring and describing, two methods and two sources of data were utilised: (i) a reflective assignment in a specific social work third-year module from which 20 assignments were selected using purposive sampling; and (ii) individual interviews with ten student participants (derived from the sample of assignments) and two teaching staff participants. Three overarching topics emerged from the findings, namely the adverse childhood experiences of student participants; the after-effects of adverse childhood experiences in the context of teaching and learning in social work; and suggestions by participants for social work teaching and learning in the context of adverse childhood experiences. Each topic was delineated further into themes, sub-themes, and categories. The conclusions are that there was compelling evidence showing students to have endured formidable adverse childhood experiences; that students experienced overwhelming emotional reactions and responses during teaching and learning that exposed vicarious traumatisation; and that gaps present in current teaching and learning practices in social work render these practices insufficient to meet the learning needs of students. Three core recommendations relating to teaching and learning are offered: To develop the content of professional learning in the social work curriculum regarding the professional use of self, self-awareness and virtue ethics; to reconstruct and reaffirm the signature pedagogy regarding teaching and learning approaches and methods in social work; and to align fieldwork and placement learning with student profiles while also focusing on lecturer attentiveness and responsiveness. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die impetus vir hierdie studie is vervat in die onderrig en leer in maatskaplike werk van maatskaplike werk studente wat afbrekende kindertydse ervarings (AKE’s) deurgemaak het. Die navorser, wie se belangstelling al hoe meer geprikkel is deur die wyse waarop hierdie AKE’s studente in maatskaplike werk in die lesingsaal beïnvloed, is genoodsaak om inligting in te win oor wat die reaksie op onderrig en leer in maatskaplike werk behoort te wees. Die rasionaal vir die studie is verder deur die gebrek aan navorsing in hierdie fokusarea versterk. Die doel van die navorsings was om begrip vir die ervarings van derdejaarstudente en die perspektiewe van maatskaplikewerkdosente te ontwikkel oor die rol van AKE’s tydens onderrig- en leeraktiwiteite, en om betekenisvolle onderrigpraktyke aan te beveel. Die fokus van die sewe navorsingsdoelwitte was die inwin van teoretiese perspektiewe, asook die eksplorering en beskrywing van studente se AKE’s binne die konteks van die onderrig en leer van maatskaplike werk. Die navorsingsdoelwitte het die sentrale navorsingsvraag gegenereer: Hoe ervaar derdejaarstudente hul eie afbrekende kindertydse ervarings in maatskaplike werk aan ’n Suid-Afrikaanse universiteit? n Kwalitatiewe benadering en gevallestudiemetode is as geskikte metodes beskou om die studie se doelwitte en sentrale navorsingsvraag te ondersoek. Die gevallestudiemetode is gebruik om na te vors hoe individue (derdejaarstudente in maatskaplike werk aan die Universiteit van Wes-Kaapland) ’n spesifieke fenomeen (in hierdie geval AKE’s) ten opsigte van onderrig en leer binne die konteks van maatskaplike werk ervaar. Om geloofwaardigheid te verleen aan die twee doelwitte van hierdie navorsing, naamlik ’n verkennings ondersoek en beskrywing, is van twee metodes en twee databronne gebruik gemaak: (i) ’n Reflektiewe taak in ’n spesifieke derdejaarmodule in maatskaplike werk waaruit 20 take met behulp van ’n doelbewuste steekproef gekies is; en (ii) individuele onderhoude met tien deelnemende studente (gekies uit die steekproef van take), en twee deelnemende dosente. Drie oorkoepelende onderwerpe het uit die bevindinge na vore gekom, naamlik die AKE’s van studentedeelnemers; die nagevolge van afbrekende kindertydse ervarings binne die konteks van die onderrig en leer van maatskaplike werk; en voorstelle van deelnemers vir onderrig en leer van maatskaplike werk binne die konteks van AKE’s. Elke onderwerp word verder in temas, subtemas en kategorieë weergegee. Die gevolgtrekking is dat oortuigende bewyse bestaan wat toon dat studente ontsaglik AKE’s deurgemaak het; dat studente oorweldigende emosionele reaksies en response ervaar tydens onderrig en leer wat tot indirekte traumatisering lei; en dat daar tekortkominge is in die huidige onderrig- en leermetodes vir maatskaplike werk wat nie genoegsaam aandag gee aan die leerbehoeftes van studente nie. Daar is drie kernaanbevelings rakende onderrig en leer: Om die omvang van professionele leer ten opsigte van die professionele gebruik van die self, selfbewustheid en deugsaamheid in die maatskaplike werk-kurrikulum te ontwikkel; om maatskaplike werk se kenmerkende pedagogie oor onderrig- en leerbenaderings en metodes te rekonstrueer en te herbevestig; en om praktiese plasing en leer tydens plasing met die profiel van ’n student te belyn, terwyl die fokus ook op die oplettendheid en reaksie van die dosent moet wees.

Thesis (M Social Work)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Mentoring, which is described as an activity in social work supervision, is promoted to assist with the recruitment and retention of newly qualified social workers. However research relating to the execution of mentoring within the context of social work supervision is limited. Also, a lack of supervision of newly qualified as well as existing social workers has resulted in a critical shortage of social workers in South Africa. This in turn decreases the quality of social work service rendering to communities in South Africa. In an effort to reverse the aforementioned circumstances, the South African government introduced the “Recruitment and Retention Strategy for Social Workers” in 2006. The Recruitment and Retention Strategy for Social Workers reaffirmed the value of supervision for social workers as well as the utilisation of mentoring in order to provide adequate support to newly qualified as well as existing social workers. Hence the study was undertaken, first to provide an overview of social work supervision and second, to explore the use of mentoring in the context of social work supervision. A combined qualitative and quantitative research approach was utilised to explore the experiences of social work supervisors in the Department of Social Development (Western Cape), with regard to the use of mentoring as an activity of social work supervision. The motivation for this study originated from an apparent lack of research relating to the use of mentoring as an activity in social work supervision of newly qualified social workers within the Department of Social Development in the Western Cape. The aim of this study is to gain an understanding of the features and use of mentoring as well as how mentoring can be utilised as an activity in social work supervision of newly qualified social workers. The literature study first focused on giving an overview of social work supervision, to provide a contextual basis for mentoring as an activity in social work supervision of newly qualified social workers. The literature study then explored the features and use of mentoring as an activity in social work supervision of newly qualified social workers. The researcher utilised a purposive sample of 20 social work supervisors. These supervisors have been appointed to the different regional and local offices of the Department of Social Development in the Western Cape and provide supervision to social workers, specifically newly qualified social workers. Newly qualified social workers refer to social workers with a maximum experience of 24 months in the practical field. The researcher utilised an interview schedule as a measuring instrument. The results of the investigation confirmed that supervision of newly qualified social workers is essential to ensure quality service rendering. Second, the results concluded that due to the allocation of responsibilities other than supervision, inadequate time is spent on the execution of the social work supervision process. Third, the lack of formal training of supervisors in social work supervision, has a negative impact on the execution of the supervision process, as most of the supervisors provide supervision to newly qualified social workers, based on their own experience of supervision as well as the fact that social work supervision follows a process running parallel to the social work process. Fourth, a majority of the social work supervisors execute mentoring on an informal basis. Fifth, most of the social work supervisors are in favour of the appointment of multiple mentors for each newly qualified social worker. Lastly, senior social workers are viewed as important mentors to assist newly qualified social workers with the acquisition of skills relating to social work service delivery. Recommendations made by this study highlighted the importance of providing accredited supervision training to social work supervisors as well as introducing a policy on the execution of supervision, and mentoring as an activity in social work supervision. Further recommendations focused on the provision of training to all selected mentors as well as on the use of multiple mentors for each newly qualified social worker. Lastly, the use of senior social workers both within the Department and organisations in the NPO sector is promoted, especially to assist newly qualified social workers to attain those skills relating to the execution of their statutory duties and to improve quality service rendering through the enhancement of their professional report writing skills. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Mentorskap, wat as ‘n aktiwiteit in maatskaplikewerk-supervisie omskryf word, bevorder die werwing en behoud van pas gekwalifiseerde maatskaplike werkers. Navorsing wat verband hou met die uitvoering van mentorskap binne die konteks van maatskaplikewerk-supervisie is egter beperk. Daarbenewens het ‘n gebrek aan supervisie van pas gekwalifiseerde sowel as van die meer ervare maatskaplike werkers gelei tot ‘n kritieke tekort aan maatskaplike werkers in Suid- Afrika. Dit het weer gelei tot ‘n afname in die gehalte van maatskaplikewerk-dienslewering aan gemeenskappe in Suid-Afrika. In ‘n poging om die genoemde omstandighede om te keer, het die Suid-Afrikaanse regering die Recruitment and Retention Strategy for Social Workers in 2006 geloods. Die Recruitment and Retention Strategy for Social Workers benadruk die waarde van supervisie aan maatskaplike werkers sowel as die benutting van mentorskap om voldoende ondersteuning te bied aan pas gekwalifiseerde sowel as meer ervare maatskaplike werkers. Die studie word dus onderneem, eerstens om ‘n oorsig van maatskaplikewerk-supervisie te verkry en tweedens om die gebruik van mentorskap binne die konteks van maatskaplikewerk-supervisie te verken. ‘n Gekombineerde kwantitatiewe en kwalitatiewe navorsingsbenadering is benut om die ervarings van maatskaplikewerk-supervisors in die Wes-Kaapse Departement van Maatskaplike Ontwikkeling, rakende mentorskap as ‘n aktiwiteit in maatskaplikewerk-supervisie van pas gekwalifiseerde maatskaplike werkers te ontbloot. Die studie is gemotiveer deur ‘n opmerklike gebrek aan navorsing ten opsigte van die benutting van mentorskap as ‘n aktiwiteit in maatskaplikewerk-supervisie van pas gekwalifiseerde maatskaplike werkers in die Wes-Kaapse Departement van Maatskaplike Ontwikkeling. Die doel van die studie was om begrip te ontwikkel rondom die eienskappe en benutting van mentorskap sowel as hoe mentorskap as ‘n aktiwiteit in maatskaplikewerk-supervisie benut kan word. Die literatuurstudie verskaf eerstens ‘n oorsig van maatskaplikewerk-supervisie om sodoende ‘n kontekstuele basis vir mentorskap as ‘n aktiwiteit in maatskaplikewerk-supervisie van pas gekwalifiseerde maatskaplike werkers aan te bied. Die literatuurstudie verken voorts die eienskappe en benutting van mentorskap as ‘n aktiwiteit in maatskaplikewerk-supervisie van pas gekwalifiseerde maatskaplike werkers. Die navorser het ‘n doelbewuste steekproef van 20 maatskaplikewerk supervisors benut. Hierdie supervisors is werksaam in die verskillende streeks- en plaaslike kantore van die Wes-Kaapse Departement van Maatskaplike Ontwikkeling en verskaf supervisie aan onder andere pas gekwalifiseerde maatskaplike werkers. Pas gekwalifiseerde maatskaplike werkers verwys na alle maatskaplike werkers met minder as 24 maande ervaring in die praktyk. Die navorser het ‘n onderhoudskedule as meetinstrument benut. Die resultate van die ondersoek bevestig eerstens dat die verskaffing van supervisie aan pas gekwalifiseerde maatskaplike werkers noodsaaklik is vir die versekering van kwaliteit dienslewering. Tweedens bevestig die bevindinge ook dat, as gevolg van die aanwysing van verantwoordelikhede, buiten supervisie, daar onvoldoende tyd aan die uitvoering van maatskaplikewerk-supervisieprosesse bestee word. Derdens het die gebrek aan formele supervisie-onderrig, ‘n negatiewe uitwerking op die uitvoering van die supervisieproses, aangesien die meeste supervisors wat supervisie aan pas gekwalifiseerde maatskaplike werkers verskaf, dit baseer op hul eie ervarings van supervisie sowel as die feit dat die supervisie parallel verloop met die maatskaplikewerk-proses. Vierdens verrig die meeste maatskaplikewerk-supervisors hul mentorskap op ‘n informele wyse. Vyfdens is die meeste supervisors ten gunste van die aanstelling van meer as een mentor vir elke pas gekwalifiseerde maatskaplike werker. Laastens word senior maatskaplike werkers beskou as belangrike mentors om pas gekwalifiseerde maatskaplike werkers te help met die verkryging van daardie vaardighede wat verband hou met maatskaplikewerk-dienslewering. Aanbevelings wat in die studie gemaak is beklemtoon die belangrikheid van die verskaffing van geakkrediteerde supervisie-onderrig aan maatskaplikewerk-supervisors, die daarstelling van ‘n supervisiebeleid sowel as die benutting van mentorskap as ‘n aktwiteit in maatskaplikewerksupervisie. Verdere aanbevelings fokus op die verskaffing van opleiding aangaande die proses van mentorskap. Laastens word die gebruik van senior maatskaplike werkers sowel in die Wes- Kaapse Departement van Maatskaplike Ontwikkeling as in ander organisasies in die nieregerings sektor, as mentors ondersteun, ten einde meer spesifiek pas gekwalifiseerde maatskaplike werkers te help met die aanleer van daardie vaardighede wat verband hou met die uitvoering van hul statutêre verpligtinge en om die kwaliteit van dienslewering te bevorder deur die verbetering van die professionele skryfvaardighede van pas gekwalifiseerde maatskaplike werkers.

Thesis (M Social Work (Social Work))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: An exploratory and descriptive research design, in combination with quantitative and qualitative research approaches were utilised to elucidate the experiences of newly qualified social workers in NGOs, with regards to occupational stress and the coping strategies employed by these workers in response. The motivation for this study came from a distinct lack of research related to the experience of occupational stress by newly qualified social workers working within NGOs. The goal of this study is thus to gain a better understanding of the experiences of occupational stress by newly qualified social workers practicing in NGOs, as well as elucidating the coping strategies they employ, so as to make recommendations focussing on key areas, where alleviation of occupational stress is vital. The literature study first focussed on the South African NGO, and the newly qualified social worker within the NGO, to provide a contextual basis for the experience of occupational stress by newly qualified social workers. The literature study then explored the range of occupational stressors that might be experienced by newly qualified social workers, to gain a better understanding of the diversity of stressors present within NGOs, and their aetiology. Lastly, the literature study focussed on the variety of coping strategies available to newly qualified social workers, for coping with, and alleviation of occupational stress. The researcher utilises a purposive sample of 20 newly qualified social workers, These workers had practiced for up to 24 months, in the Boland area of the Western Cape. An interview schedule was used as measuring instrument. The result of the investigation confirmed that particular occupational stressors affecting newly qualified social workers Whilst there were a wide spectrum of stressors experienced by newly qualified social workers on an occasional basis, occupational stressors such as very heavy workloads, unsatisfactory remuneration and the multivariate problems of the client population stood out as stressors experienced on a very frequent basis. The second conclusion to be drawn from this study was that personality traits may play less of a role than expected in determining how much newly qualified social workers experience occupational stress. The third conclusion to be drawn from this study was that a wide range of coping strategies were not only available to newly qualified social workers but that a great deal were effective in helping newly qualified social workers to alleviate their occupational stress. Recommendations made by this study pointed to the importance of NGOs as well as government targeting stressors such as heavy workloads and remuneration, with the aim of retaining skilled social workers just entering into the industry. Another recommendation focussed on the fact that newly qualified social workers have to take ownership over their occupational stress, and actively work to alleviate it in a positive manner. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: ‘n Verkennende en beskrywende navorsingsontwerp, sowel as 'n gekombineerde kwantitatiewe en kwalitatiewe navorsingsbenadering is benut om die ervarings van pas gekwalifiseerde maatskaplike werkers in nie-regeringsorganisasies se werkstres en streshanteringstrategieë te ondersoek. Die studie is gemotiveer deur 'n gebrek aan navorsing oor die ervarings van werksverwante stres by pas gekwalifiseerde maatskaplike werkers wat by NROs werksaam is. Die doel van die studie was dus om 'n beter begrip vir die ervarings van werksverwante stres by pas gekwalifiseerde maatskaplike werkers in NROs te ontwikkel, sowel as om die betrokke maatskaplike werkers se streshanteringstrategieë te belig, ten einde aanbevelings te kan maak oor sleutelareas waarop gefokus behoort te word in die verligting van werksverwante stres. Die literatuurstudie fokus op die NRO-sektor in Suid-Afrika en die pas gekwalifiseerde maatskaplike werker, ten einde 'n kontekstuele grondslag vir die ervarings van die betrokke maatskaplike werkers se stressors te bied. Die literatuurstudie eksploreer voorts die reeks van stressors wat deur die betrokke maatskaplike werkers ervaar kan word, ten einde 'n beter begrip van die diversiteit van stressors en die etiologie van die stressors te ontwikkel. Die studie fokus ook op die verskeidenheid strategieë wat beskikbaar is aan pas gekwalifiseerde maatskaplike werkers, om hulle werksverwante stres te verminder. Die navorser het 'n doelbeswuste steekproef van 20 pas gekwalifiseerde maatskaplike werkers benut. Hierdie werkers is almal die afgelope 24 maande werksaam in die Boland area van die Wes-Kaap. 'n Onderhoudskedule is as navorsingsinstrument benut. Die bevindinge van die navorsing bevestig dat die pas gekwalifiseerde maatskaplike werker wel spesifieke werksverwante stressors beleef. Alhoewel 'n groot verskeidenheid stressors soms aanwesig is, kom werksverwante stressors soos groot werksladings, onbevredigende numerering en die verskeidenheid van die verbruikersisteem se probleme meer algemeen voor. Die tweede bevinding vanuit hierdie studie dui daarop dat persoonlikheidstrekke speel waarskynlik 'n mindere rol as wat verwag word, in die aanwesigheid van stres by die pas gekwalifiseerde maatskaplike werker. Die derde bevinding dui daarop dat 'n groot verskeidenheid stresverligtingstrategieë beskikbaar is om werksverwante stres te verlig en dat hierdie strategieë wel effektief aangewend kan word. Die aanbevelings vanuit hierdie studie wys op die belangrikheid daarvan dat NRO's en die regering stressors soos groot werksladings en numerering verlig, ten einde pas gekwalifiseerde maatskaplike werkers vir die praktyk te werf. Ander aanbevelings fokus op die feit dat pas gekwalifiseerde maatskaplike werkers eienaarskap van hulle werksverwante stressors moet aanvaar deur aktief hulle werkstres op 'n positiewe wyse te hanteer.

Thesis (M Social Work (Social Work))--University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / This study is based on the perceptions and experiences of the psychosocial effect that post natal depression has on the partners of women diagnosed with this illness. Post natal depression is an emotional state of mind experienced by some women after the birth of a baby. In reality, it is a relatively scarce illness that is not openly spoken of in the community. Firstly the researcher will present an overview of the illness, and show the differences between the “baby blues”, post natal depression and post natal psychosis in order to heighten the awareness of this specific illness. Thereafter, the circumstances that lead to the illness as well as the symptoms present are explained since the women’s behaviour can impact on, as well as directly affect, both the partners psychosocial lives. To understand the circumstances in which a partner finds himself, the role of a man and father will be examined. With this in mind, the mans perceptions and experiences are further described with regard to his partner’s depression and how this affects him. Attention is also given to the different methods of treatment of postnatal depression, since the patient and her partner’s lives are directly impacted by professional involvement during the recovery period. This research is based on the opinions expressed by the participants of an existing support group for the partners of depressed women. The group is conducted by the researcher as a social worker in her private practice. Information was obtained through group sessions and followed up by individual interviews with each participant. The participants were required to comment on the way in which post natal depression had affected their relationship with their partners, babies and extended families as well as how they adjusted to the situation. The participants were recruited to describe their emotions with regard to the circumstances and express an opinion on the treatment available. They were also requested to suggest ways of improving the existing methods. The overall conclusion reached in this study is that social workers in the community are faced with a great challenge where post natal depression is concerned. Ideally this illness should be prevented but when it does occur, correct treatment is essential in order to obviate the breakdown of the family. The primary aim of any community is to provide and maintain a healthy family structure with both parents acting as role models. The purpose is to prepare children to develop into balanced adults in order to take their rightful place in society

Thesis (M Social Work(Social Work))--University of Stellenbosch,2009. / A laryngectomy is mostly indicated as treatment for an advanced stage of cancer of the larynx, during which the patient’s voice box is removed. This operation can hold major psycho-social implications for the patient and family. To cope with the challenges in daily life, patients need social support. A lack of available literature and research regarding the role of the social worker in facilitating support groups for these patients and families was identified and motivated this research study. The goal of the study was to gain a better understanding of the laryngectomy patient’s need for support groups in a hospital setting when attending the follow-up clinic at the hospital. A combination of both the exploratory and descriptive research designs together with a combination of mainly a qualitative and to a certain extent the quantitative research approaches, was used. From this, knowledge, insight and an understanding of the need for support groups in a hospital setting from a social work perspective were obtained. Permission to conduct the proposed study was granted by the Committee for Human Research at the University of Stellenbosch. The literature study first focused on medical aspects of a laryngectomy and social work intervention services within a hospital setting as part of the multi-disciplinary approach. Second, psycho-social effects of a laryngectomy from an ecological perspective were discussed, referring to the physical, social and psychological effects of surgery upon the patient and family. Third, support and aftercare were discussed with specific reference to the role of the social worker in offering social support to the patient and family. For the empirical study, twenty laryngectomy patients from the service area of Tygerberg Hospital were involved from January 2008 to May 2008. Criteria for inclusion in the study referred to patients who had their operation not less than three months previously, attended the support group during follow-up visits at the hospital and who had successfully acquired tragea-oesophageal speech. Based on the literature review, a semi-structured questionnaire and face-to-face interview were used as research instruments to overcome the limitation of illiteracy. The results of the investigation mainly confirmed the findings of the literature study namely that laryngectomy patients can benefit from support groups in order to address their need for social support in dealing with daily life challenges. Patients indicated that they mainly needed information regarding post-operative adaptation as this was where problems were mostly experienced. The majority of patients suggested the use of support groups in this regard. Focus was placed on an exploration and description of patients’ needs for such support groups. Benefits of support groups were found to be totally compatible with the role of the social worker. The results therefore gave an indication of social work intervention services and referred to: provision of information, problem-solving, offer of social and emotional support, and promotion of rehabilitation opportunities, thereby improving the patient’s quality of life. Recommendations were aimed at social work intervention services relating to support and aftercare offered to laryngectomy patients and relatives. Future research to develop social work programmes for health care professionals in order to effectively support these patients and their families was proposed. From practical experience of support groups a study regarding the role of pre- and primary schoolchildren or grandchildren in the rehabilitation of laryngectomy patients was also suggested.

Thesis (M Social Work (Social Work))--University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / This study endeavours to understand the psychosocial functioning of primary school children involved in a therapeutic horse-riding program. A qualitative study was done using an exploratory research design. Much research has been documented regarding the physical benefits of equineassisted therapy. Little research has however been done regarding the psychosocial functioning of children involved in such projects, and in the field of social work, not much research has been conducted to the knowledge of the researcher. This study was thus motivated by the current lack of research in this area and by the desire to discover whether this form of therapy has a place within the social work field. The literature study firstly explored the various physical disabilities that are most commonly encountered in the therapeutic riding world, namely cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy and epilepsy. The developmental milestones of the primary school child were explored with a view to how these physical disabilities may effect the reaching of these developmental milestones. The concept of rehabilitation psychology was then explored, comparing it with various social work methods, popular theories and perspectives and it was found that there were many overlaps in the two fields. Lastly, the literature study looked at equine-assisted therapy and research that has already been done on this topic. The empirical investigation consisted of case studies on five primary school children from Astra School for the Physically Disabled. A qualitative investigation was done, by means of a focus group held with various key team players in the therapy such as the physiotherapists and riding instructors. Individual interviews were then held with each of the five children. An interview guide was used for both the focus group and the individual interviews. The findings of the investigation were in line with what was found in the literature study, namely that these physically disabled children struggled in reaching their psychosocial developmental milestones. The riding however was shown to have made a significant contribution in the areas of social participation, confidence, selfimage, emotional control, discipline and cognitive and educational stimulation in each of the five children concerned. Rehabilitation philosophy and psychology were found to be in line with much of what social work aims to achieve. In light of the fact that equine-assisted therapy was shown to be a viable means of rehabilitation, and therefore a viable means of reaching social work goals with physically disabled clients, recommendations were made in terms of social work practice, social work theory, social work training, social work research and social work policy regarding the physically disabled client.

Thesis (M Social Work (Social Work))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / The primary objective of this study is to establish a holistic view of performance managementsystem in the Provincial Government and to assess the extent of implementation and the application of performance management, together with the challenges facing the social work managers in this regard. Furthermore it sought to identify the gaps and key priorities required for effective and efficient performance management processes. The study was preceded by a comprehensive literature study whereby the necessisty and purpose of performance mananagement were identified. Furthermore the valuable aspects and the characteristics of performance management in social work have been described. The persons involved in the performance management system were investigated tot determine the nature and scope of the performance managegement system that are implemented. The importance of the participation of both the supervisor (manager) and the social worker was determined. The report highlights the importance of a process approach and uses it as a lens for understanding performance management system. It indicate the change in focus from performance evalution to performanance management, which focuses less on productivity or the input or physical activities applied in achieving the results or outputs as such, but rather on the extent to which predetermined objectives/goals are effectively and efficiently met through the measurement of outputs/results against agreed-upon performance standards. An empirical study wat undertaken where both qualitative and quantitative methodologies were applied to achieve the objective of the research. The quantitative methods comprised out of a questionnaires purely for and data collection and the qualitative approach entailed the open-ended questions in the questionnaire. It sought to identify the gaps and key priorities required for the implentation of an effective and efficient performance management processes. The report highlights the importance of a developmental approach in applying the performance management system.

Thesis (MA)--Stellenbosch University, 2005. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Religion plays a significant role in the structuring of people's identities and perceptions and also has the potential to playa fundamental role to determine how communities respond to HIV/AIDS. Faith-based organisations are respected in their communities and have existing resources, structures and systems in place. People who are diagnosed with HIV often turn to the church where they receive emotional and spiritual support. The primary objective of this study was to determine the knowledge of religious leaders about HIV/AIDS and their attitudes towards people living with it. A non-experimental quantitative research design was used in this study and the data was gathered through a structured questionnaire. The respondents were not exceptionally informed about the transmission of the HI-virus, but their knowledge around the risk of specific sexual behaviour was high and their attitudes towards PLHA generally positive. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Geloof speel "n belangrike rol in die vorming van "n mens se identiteit en persepsies en het ook die potensiaal om gemeenskappe se reaksie rakende MIV/Vigs te bepaal. Geloofsorganisasies word in hul gemeenskappe gerespekteer en het bestaande hulpbronne en stelsels in plek. Mense wat MIV postitef gediagnoseer word, wend hul dikwels na hierdie organisasies waar hul emosionele en geestelike ondersteuning ontvang. Die doel van hierdie navorsing was om die kennis en houdings van geloofsleiers rondom MIV/Vigs en die mense wat daarmee leef te bepaal. "n Nie-eksperimenteel kwantitatiewe navorsingsontwerp is gebruik, en die data is deur middel van "n gestruktureerde vraelys ingesamel. Hoewel die respondente se kennis omtrent die oordrag van die MI-virus nie voldoende was nie, het hul die nodige kennis rondom die risiko van spesifieke seksuele gedrag gehad. Hul houdings rondom MIV/Vigs en mense wat daarmee leef was positief.

Thesis (MA)--Stellenbosch University, 2005. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study was undertaken to address the need for a multi-sectoral approach to sexuality education among adolescents. The rise in teenage pregnancies and the rapid spread of the HIV virus urged the researcher to assess how different sectors within communities can work together to sexually educate adolescents. The goal of the research is to initiate planning of prevention- and educational strategies among all sectors of the community. It is hoped that these programmes may provide adolescents with the necessary skills to make informed decisions regarding their sexuality. The use of a multi-sectoral approach to sexuality education was evaluated by means of a exploratory study and a comparison between the findings of questionnaires and existing literature. In chapter two the nature of sexuality education is assessed. Chapter three focuses on the specific multi-sectoral approach to this sexuality education. In chapter four the findings of the empirical study is discussed. Recommendations for further research is made in chapter five. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die behoefte vir ’n multi-sektorale benadering tot seksualiteitsopvoeding was die hoof uitgangspunt van die studie. Met die verhoging in tienerswangerskappe en die verspreiding van die MIV-virus was dit vir die navorser belangrik om ondersoek in te stel na hoe verskillende sektore in die gemeenskap kan saamwerk om sodoende adolessente van seksualiteitsopvoeding te voorsien. Hierdie navorsing het ten doel om ’n raamwerk vir maatskaplike werkers in diens van gesinsorganisasies daar te stel vir die benutting van ’n multi-sektorale benadering tot seksualiteitsopvoedingsprogramme vir adolessente. Holistiese, jeugvriendelike intervensie en dienslewering deur multi-sektorale samewerking word ten doel gestel. By wyse van ’n verkennende studie asook ’n vergelyking tussen die bevindinge van vraelyste en bestaande literatuur was die kwessie rondom die benutting van ’n multisektorale benadering tot seksualiteitsopvoedingsprogramme geevalueer. In hoofstuk twee behandel die skrywer die aard van seksualiteitsopvoedingsprogramme en fokus op ’n multi-sektorale benadering tot sodanige programme in hoofstuk drie. ’n Bespreking oor die empiriese ondersoek wat geloots is word in hoofstuk vier gegee en in hoofstuk vyf word aanbevelings vir verdere studie gemaak.