The goal for physical education (PE) is for all young people to learn to value a physically active life. Young people enjoy PE, yet there are those who lack motivation in PE. According to previous studies there is a lack of research about the learning environment in PE and how it affects students’ motivation and sense of meaningfulness. The purpose of this study was to highlight middle school students’ perspectives and attitudes of their learning environment. Three focus groups, with students from three different classes, at the age of 15, with a mix of both girls and boys, were interviewed. By using qualitative content analysis and applying the sociocultural perspective to the result, this study shows that depending on the physical environment students experience PE as limiting or developing. The students also prefer more variation when it comes to the curriculum and that the grades are important for their motivation. The relation to classmates and teacher were also seen as important to create a safe class environment. In conclusion the students’ express that the learning environment can make a difference to how they perceive and experience PE and has a strong connection to their motivation and sense of meaningfulness.

The aim of this thesis is to see if there are differences in how managers and other staff looks at goals for short-term accommodation. The results show that there is a difference in views on the goals. This is manifested, among other things, in the form of managers have their focus concentrated on the financial framework for the business. Other staff have their focus directed at targets that are more about the work of the resident. The theory that the survey is based on is The sense of coherence and its three pillars: comprehensibility, manageability and meaningfulness.

Den här studien syftade till att utforska hur projektdeltagare som arbetar inom kommunikationsbyråer upplever att de blir motiverade. Genom en kvalitativ metod med semistrukturerade intervjuer genomfördes sammanlagt nio intervjuer med projektdeltagare med varierande erfarenheter och ålder från olika och i vissa fall samma kommunikationsbyråer. Den insamlade data analyserades tematiskt och resulterade i tre övergripande teman. Första temat var Samhällsnyttig motivation som visade att projektdeltagare motiveras starkt av meningsfullheten i sina projekt och att den här motivationen var förankrad i ett holistiskt perspektiv. Det betonades att meningsfullheten inte bara handlade om deras egen roll och utförande, utan även om projektets övergripande syfte och mål. Andra temat, Tidsramarnas balans, diskuterade tidsramar och deadlines som framställdes som en dubbeltydig faktor, där dess påverkan på motivationen både hade en positiv och negativ effekt på projektdeltagarna beroende på individerna. Extern respons och uppmuntran var tredje temat där resultatet visade att erkännande och återkoppling, både internt och externt, var avgörande för att upprätthålla projektdeltagarnas motivation. Den här formen av feedback fungerade även som en morot för att utveckla deras kompetens och därigenom stärka deras motivation. Slutligen kunde den här studien dra slutsatsen att projektdeltagare känner sig mest motiverade när deras arbete upplevs som meningsfullt, får uppmärksamhet samt är inom en balanserad tidsram. Dessutom indikerade resultaten att mognad i rollen som projektdeltagare skapade en ökad självständighet och minskad beroende av yttre motivation, med en ökad inre motivation som följd. / This study aimed to explore how project members working within communication agencies experience how they are motivated. Using a qualitative method with semi-structured interviews, nine project members of varied experience and ages were interviewed from different communication agencies, and in some cases, the same agency. The collected data was thematically analyzed, resulting in three overarching themes. The first theme was Socially Beneficial Motivation, which revealed that project members are strongly motivated by the meaningfulness of their project, and this motivation is rooted in a holistic perspective. It was emphasized that meaningfulness extends beyond their individual roles and execution, encompassing the overall purpose and goals of the projects. The second theme, Balance of Time Frames, discuses time frames and deadlines as a dual factor. The impact of time frames on motivation was depicted as both positive and negative, depending on individual circumstances. The third theme was External Feedback and Encouragement, where the results indicated that recognition and feedback, both internally and externally, were crucial for maintaining the motivation. This form of feedback also served as an incentive to develop their skills and thereby strengthen their motivation. In conclusion, this study found that project members feel most motivated when their work is perceived as meaningful, receives attention, and operates within a balanced timeframe. Additionally, the results indicated that maturity in the role of project members created increased independence and reduced dependence on external motivation, resulting in heightened internal motivation.

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The health and wellbeing of pregnant women are considered to be an international priority by the World Health Organization (WHO). Even though pregnant women constitute a large part of the population globally and in South Africa, there is a lack of research regarding their psychological wellbeing. It is known that a psychologically well-functioning pregnant woman has the capacity to attach to her baby and to be an effective parent. The WHO places emphasis on the health of pregnant women not only because they are crucial to the survival and reproduction of humanity, but also because they are more vulnerable during pregnancy and need extra support. Pregnancy is associated with many physical and psychological changes and has a major impact on a woman’s life. Although there are challenges associated with pregnancy, it can also be a special experience of psychological and personal growth. Most previous studies have focused on the medical, biological, and pathological aspects of pregnancy. Although this research is important, it is crucial that psychological well-being during pregnancy is investigated in order to find ways to proactively strengthen it. Research showed that women whose psychological well-being is lacking are vulnerable and prone to developing mental disorders. A pregnant woman who is psychologically well is better equipped to form a healthy attachment with her baby, cope with her newfound parenthood, and is less likely to develop pregnancy-related mental illness. It is clear that the presence of meaningfulness in life leads to enhanced psychological well-being. This study is conducted from a psychofortological perspective and focuses on exploring and gaining a deeper understanding of first-time pregnant women’s experiences of meaningfulness during their pregnancy. A qualitative, phenomenological approach was used to gain a deep understanding of the women’s experience of meaningfulness. Reflexive journals and the Mmogo-method® were used to gather data. After a thematic analysis was done on the visual (the presentations and participant’s explanations thereof) and textual (reflexive journals) data a deeper understanding was gained of the participants’ experiences of meaningfulness during pregnancy. According to the data spirituality and relationships contributed most to their experience of meaningfulness during pregnancy. This study focused only on how meaningfulness was found in the participant’s various relationships during their pregnancy. The main relationships that were identified were with their husband, their unborn baby, and with their parents. A rich description of these relationships helped to deepen our understanding of the first-time pregnant women’s experience of meaningfulness. The findings from this study make a valuable contribution to the improved understanding of the concept meaningfulness in the specific life domain of relationships and in the context of pregnancy. This confirmed the structure of the Meaning Model of Wissing and Delle Fave (2014) and deepened our understanding of the ‘meaningfulness in life’ category. This understanding is valuable as it can be used proactively to develop programmes to enhance pregnant women’s psychological well-being. No previous research in this regard in the South African context specifically could be found. Literature indicated that there is a lack of research to better our understanding of meaningfulness in different life domains and contexts, especially from a psychofortological perspective. This study’s contribution is significant as it not only deepens our understanding of meaningfulness experienced during pregnancy and the role relationships play, but also because it can make a valuable contribution to informing, developing, and implementing intervention programmes to proactively enhance the psychological well-being of pregnant women in South Africa. / MA (Research Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

The health and wellbeing of pregnant women are considered to be an international priority by the World Health Organization (WHO). Even though pregnant women constitute a large part of the population globally and in South Africa, there is a lack of research regarding their psychological wellbeing. It is known that a psychologically well-functioning pregnant woman has the capacity to attach to her baby and to be an effective parent. The WHO places emphasis on the health of pregnant women not only because they are crucial to the survival and reproduction of humanity, but also because they are more vulnerable during pregnancy and need extra support. Pregnancy is associated with many physical and psychological changes and has a major impact on a woman’s life. Although there are challenges associated with pregnancy, it can also be a special experience of psychological and personal growth. Most previous studies have focused on the medical, biological, and pathological aspects of pregnancy. Although this research is important, it is crucial that psychological well-being during pregnancy is investigated in order to find ways to proactively strengthen it. Research showed that women whose psychological well-being is lacking are vulnerable and prone to developing mental disorders. A pregnant woman who is psychologically well is better equipped to form a healthy attachment with her baby, cope with her newfound parenthood, and is less likely to develop pregnancy-related mental illness. It is clear that the presence of meaningfulness in life leads to enhanced psychological well-being. This study is conducted from a psychofortological perspective and focuses on exploring and gaining a deeper understanding of first-time pregnant women’s experiences of meaningfulness during their pregnancy. A qualitative, phenomenological approach was used to gain a deep understanding of the women’s experience of meaningfulness. Reflexive journals and the Mmogo-method® were used to gather data. After a thematic analysis was done on the visual (the presentations and participant’s explanations thereof) and textual (reflexive journals) data a deeper understanding was gained of the participants’ experiences of meaningfulness during pregnancy. According to the data spirituality and relationships contributed most to their experience of meaningfulness during pregnancy. This study focused only on how meaningfulness was found in the participant’s various relationships during their pregnancy. The main relationships that were identified were with their husband, their unborn baby, and with their parents. A rich description of these relationships helped to deepen our understanding of the first-time pregnant women’s experience of meaningfulness. The findings from this study make a valuable contribution to the improved understanding of the concept meaningfulness in the specific life domain of relationships and in the context of pregnancy. This confirmed the structure of the Meaning Model of Wissing and Delle Fave (2014) and deepened our understanding of the ‘meaningfulness in life’ category. This understanding is valuable as it can be used proactively to develop programmes to enhance pregnant women’s psychological well-being. No previous research in this regard in the South African context specifically could be found. Literature indicated that there is a lack of research to better our understanding of meaningfulness in different life domains and contexts, especially from a psychofortological perspective. This study’s contribution is significant as it not only deepens our understanding of meaningfulness experienced during pregnancy and the role relationships play, but also because it can make a valuable contribution to informing, developing, and implementing intervention programmes to proactively enhance the psychological well-being of pregnant women in South Africa. / MA (Research Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Background: Malaria continues to pose a complex public health problem amongst pregnant women in Africa (Schantz-Dunn & Nour 2009; Antwi 2010), accounting for over 90% of the global malaria burden (WHO 2002; Morel et al. 2005; Schantz-Dunn & Nour 2009). However, little is known about the impact of information, education and communication (IEC) strategies in malaria prevention and control among pregnant women in Africa. Aims and Objectives: The study sought to identify: evidence of impact of IEC strategies; feasibility, appropriateness, meaningfulness and effectiveness of the IEC strategies; challenges; best practices and key lessons to inform governments, policymakers, health partners, the academic community, directors, managers of health, frontline health professionals and health educators at institutional and community levels. Moreover, the study aimed to develop a theoretical framework to enhance the understanding of issues related to implementation of IEC strategies. Methods: A mixed method approach was adopted. This consisted of a systematic review of evidence within the African context and an evaluation methodology involving a contextually based survey of Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria and Tanzania. The systematic review involved a structured search of relevant databases and websites, and hand search strategies. Three sets of evidence were identified and aggregated using a narrative synthesis approach. A survey questionnaire reflecting the outcomes of the review was sent to health professionals and lay persons in the countries under study. Primary data were analysed using SPSS Version 15.0. Non-parametric tests and sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the nature of opinions among respondents within and across countries. Findings: 3,440 studies were identified during the systematic review. Out of this number, 57 met the inclusion criteria. Following critical appraisal, 50 studies met the criteria for methodological quality. Ten IEC strategies were identified. These were: Staff training and orientation Advocacy Community mass education campaigns House-to-house sensitisation Health education in health units Visiting places of worship Women’s group meetings Integrated health education campaigns Symbolism versus message delivery Audience segmentation versus information delivery. The survey reveals a high level of awareness of IEC strategies among respondents in the African countries studied. The evidence of impact reported by respondents supported the findings of the systematic review. However, there were some differences, and some concerns still remain regarding the extent of impact. The study suggests that using an IEC strategy implementation equation could enhance the understanding of issues related to implementation of IEC strategies. Implications of the findings are outlined, including implications for professional practice in relation to IEC programme implementation, most especially among nurses and midwives. IEC roles and responsibilities of key actors are also proposed. Conclusions: Despite the challenges of adopting a mixed method approach, the study highlights an important relationship between evidence and practice. This approach also helped to ensure that a comprehensive multiperspective view of IEC strategies was achieved. In designing and implementing IEC programmes, clients must be involved in order to encourage community ownership and programme sustainability. Attitudinal change and commitment is required by all stakeholders in order to achieve and maintain impact on malaria in pregnancy. Finally, while recognising the essence of feasibility, appropriateness and meaningfulness of a given strategy, it is worth noting that the key message from this study is that no one single strategy on its own appears ideal. Therefore, there is the need to pay equal attention to both institutional and community-based strategies. Doing one thing alone will not work; more evidence of impact is required to know what works and in what context.

Studiens syfte var att undersöka vilka erfarenheter kuratorer inom somatisk hälso- och sjukvård har av sympatistress samt undersöka hur kuratorerna upplever arbetssituationen utifrån KASAM. Syftet var också att förstå kuratorernas erfarenheter av sympatistress i relation till kuratorernas arbetssituation utifrån KASAM. Metoden som använts i studien var en kvalitativ intervju där sex kuratorer inom somatisk hälso- och sjukvård har intervjuats enskilt. Studien visade att kuratorerna har erfarenheter av sympatistress. Studien visade också flera indikationer på att det fanns arbetssituationer där kuratorerna hade vissa svårigheter att känna hanterbarhet, begriplighet och meningsfullhet. Det framkom även flera indikationer på att det fanns arbetssituationer där kuratorerna kände hanterbarhet, begriplighet och meningsfullhet. Studiens slutsats var att kuratorerna är utsatta för situationer i arbetet som kan leda till att de utvecklar symptom för sympatistress. / The purpose of this study was to investigate hospital social workers experiences of compassion fatigue as well as examine how they feel and think about their work situation based on KASAM. The purpose was also to understand the hospital social workers experiences of compassion fatigue in relation to the hospital social workers feelings and thoughts about their work situation based on KASAM. The method that was used is a qualitative interview in which six hospital social workers were separately interviewed. The study showed that several hospital social workers have experiences of compassion fatigue. The study also showed several indications that there were work situations where hospital social workers had some difficulties in feeling manageability, comprehensibility and meaningfulness. It also showed several indications that there were work situations where hospital social workers felt manageability, comprehensibility and meaningfulness. The study concluded that the hospital social workers are exposed to situations in their work that can lead to the development of symptoms for compassion fatigue.