Thesis (M.Ed.)--Acadia University, 2000. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 188-192). Also available on the Internet via the World Wide Web.

Thesis (D. Min.)--Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, 1993. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 219-233).

Revised thesis (Ph.D.)--Cambridge University, 2002. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 153-164) and index.

Thesis (doctorat)--Université Lyon III, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2005. / Supervisor: Christopher J. McCarthy. Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

There is a common perception that media depiction of mental health and illness is overwhelmingly negative and inaccurate. Media portrayal of mental illness is also viewed as an important element in forming and influencing society’s attitudes towards mental health issues, although there is no causal link to prove this. People with mental illness are most commonly shown as being violent and aggressive. Movie stereotypes that contribute to the stigmatisation of mentally ill persons include the mental patient as rebellious free spirit, homicidal maniac, seductress, enlightened member of society, narcissistic parasite, and zoo specimen. The profession of psychiatry is, has always been, and will likely continue to be a much enjoyed subject among filmmakers and their audiences, as it tends to provide exciting and emotionally compelling opportunities to portray personal struggles feared by most of humanity. This research will analyse the entertainment media in an attempt to provide evidence to support the above statement. The research will, furthermore, analyse the manner in which entertainment media represent the mentally ill with reference to popular films invariably produced in the US

Thesis (M.A. (Clinical Psychology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2020 / Mental illness is one of the major health challenges that significantly contribute to the global burden of diseases worldwide. Several studies reveal that mental illness often triggers or prompts people to embark on some help-seeking pathways in order to ameliorate their condition. These help-seeking pathways are often not linear routes, but rather recursive and complex. The aim of the study was to explore the pathways followed by caregivers of mentally ill persons seeking mental health care services in Sinthumule Kutama area. The objectives of the study were: a) to examine the experiences of caregivers in caring for persons suffering from mental illness; b) to explore pathways that caregivers often engage in when they are seeking treatment options for mentally ill patients before and/or after they have been diagnosed with their condition; and, c) to find out whether or not caregivers make use of other forms of management in addition to the formal treatment interventions that they may receive from the health care facilities. A qualitative approach was followed; and participants were selected through a snowball sampling method. The sample comprised twelve participants (female=11; Male=1) residing in and around the Sinthumule-Kutama District area, Limpopo Province. The participants’ ages ranged from 24 to 88 years. The data was collected using in-depth, semi-structured individual interviews and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). The following themes emerged from the study: a) the perceived causes of the mental illness; b) the pathways followed in the management of mental illness; and c) the use of alternative forms of management interventions. The findings of this study revealed that the participants hold different perceptions and beliefs about the probable causes of mental illness. Secondly, the study further revealed that the participants visited a number of alternative management agencies to seek treatment for their mentally ill family members. Thirdly, the pathways that were followed were influenced by several factors such as the perceived cause of the illness, religious or cultural beliefs, severity of symptoms and/or advice from general practitioners and school teachers. This clearly suggests that participants have made use of more than one service provider to seek help for their family members. The path either started with the formal setting, then moved to the informal setting and vice versa. For instance, as soon as individuals with mental illness are discharged from the hospital, the caregivers consulted with other alternative service providers mainly to enhance the treatment they have received for protection from evil forces. The results suggest that help-seeking behaviour and the pathways chosen in the management of mental illness are largely influenced by socio-cultural factors and beliefs about the causes of the disease.

There is evidence that the vast majority of hospitalized patients have vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency is a poorly recognized pandemic with evidence to indicate inadequate testing and monitoring of response to treatment in high-risk populations. Vitamin D receptors are ubiquitous in the human body and while the endocrine effects of vitamin D are well recognized, the autocrine and paracrine effects of this steroid hormone are less well appreciated. These functions include antimicrobial and immunomodulation effects as well benefits on cardiovascular health, autoimmune disease, cancer and metabolism. Vitamin D deficiency increases mortality and even a modest amount of vitamin D may enhance longevity. Emerging evidence suggests that a vitamin D replete state carries significant health benefits in acute illness. In this review, we discuss the role of vitamin D deficiency and potential benefits in treating this deficiency focusing on the implications for managing acute illness in elderly patients and those with an underlying chronic illness.

No description available.

This thesis examines the processes by which the self-concept is shaped by chronic illness in later life. This study contributes to our understanding of the development of the self in later life by examining patterns of continuity and change. Twenty-four women diagnosed with osteoarthritis (0A) were interviewed. The participants were community dwelling females, aged between 67 to 85 years. They were selected to reflect a range of OA, from mild to severe forms of the disease. A qualitative approach, more specifically, the grounded theory method was adopted for this study. The findings illustrate that OA in later life presents a source of change for the self concept. However, the influence of these processes of change vary considerably. In particular, the significance of change for the self-concept is shaped by the individual's perception of the impact of chronic illness for the self. These are shaped by several factors. The impact of OA on the self is influenced by the ways in which the person's multiple identities are affected. And, the person's perception of continuity and change for her "overall" or global sense of self must be considered. Finally, the type of process mechanisms that are drawn upon shape the person's perception of continuity and change. Such processes include: shifting and non-shifting prominence hierarchies, the ability to adjust and accommodate to one's limitations and the extent to which interactions and valued identities are modified, social comparison, reflected appraisal, and the dialogue between the past, the present, and the future self. The data show that older people do reflect some of the same issues that have previously been revealed by studies of chronic illness which do not focus on later life. However, experiences of chronic illness in later life also present unique variations. / Thesis / Master of Arts (MA)