published_or_final_version / Social Work / Master / Master of Social Work

M.A. / This study is born from the motivation to empower psychiatric social workers in South Africa with a classification system that compares well to classification systems used by other disciplines in the psychiatric setting. The classification system in question is the Person-in-Environment Classification System (PIE) and therefore this study sets out to investigate and report on the value the PIE might have for psychiatric social work in South Africa. Another objective then is to highlight what problems were experienced in using the PIE which will form the foundation for recommendations on further research and possible adaptations. The first part of this dissertation sets out the motivation and objectives of this study, where the second part gives a thorough description of psychiatric social work, the ecological approach in psychiatric social work, classification systems and the PIE itself. The research process is described whereafter the results of the data are explained. The results are discussed within the framework of three evaluative factors, namely image, applicability and structure which gives an indication of the value the PIE has for psychiatric social work. The conclusion can be drawn from this study that the PIE has definite value in all three evaluative factors. It can be concluded that the PIE can serve as an empowering tool in establishing and defining psychiatric social work's unique contribution to South African psychiatry.

Text in Afrikaans / In this study a description of the development of meaningful alternative constructions has been provided. The development of meaningful alternative descriptions of a painful situation within which people find themselves could create the possibility of movement taking place. · The development of alternative descriptions was discussed by means of the following components of a therapeutic conversation: The therapist uses the different punctuations of the family in their description of the problem and takes complementary descriptions into consideration. (Punctuation/complementation.) In the description of alternative realities the therapist uses a language that creates hope for change. (Reframing.) The therapist listens to the family with respect and endeavours to hear the family's themes, to understand and to use them. (Language.) The therapist, by asking questions of which the answers facilitate further questions, accepts the responsibility to facilitate discussions that encourage participation in the therapeutic process. (Participation/questions leading to further questions.) The discussion was based on a constructivist approach. A case history was described to illustrate how meaningful alternative descriptions were developed in a therapeutic conversation. / In hierdie studie is 'n beskrywing van die ontwikkeling van betekenisvolle alternatiewe konstruksies gegee. Die ontwikkeling van alternatiewe beskrywings vir 'n pynlike situasie waarin mense hulle bevind kan die moontlikheid skep dat beweging plaasvind. Die ontwikkeling van alternatiewe beskrywings word bespreek aan die hand van die volgende vier komponente van 'n terapeutiese gesprek: Die terapeut gebruik die verskillende punktuasies van die gesin in hulle beskrywing van die probleem en neem komplementerende beskrywings in ag. (Punktuasielkomplementering.) In die beskrywing van alternatiewe realiteite gebruik die terapeut 'n taal wat die hoop op verandering skep. (Herformulering.) Die terapeut luister met respek na die gesin, en poog om die gesin se temas aan te hoor, te verstaan en te gebruik. (Taal.) Die terapeut neem, deur vrae te vra waarvan die antwoorde tot verdere vrae aanleiding gee, die verantwoordelikheid op hom om gesprekvoering te fasiliteer wat deelname aan die terapeutiese proses aanmoedig. (Deelname/vrae wat aanleiding gee tot verdere vrae.) Die bespreking is gebaseer op 'n konstruktivistiese benadering. 'n Gevallestudie word beskryf om te illustreer hoe betekenisvolle alternatiewe beskrywings in 'n terapeutiese gesprek ontwikkel is. / M.A. (Social Work)

published_or_final_version / Social Work / Master / Master of Social Work

Text in Afrikaans / In this study a description of the development of meaningful alternative constructions has been provided. The development of meaningful alternative descriptions of a painful situation within which people find themselves could create the possibility of movement taking place. · The development of alternative descriptions was discussed by means of the following components of a therapeutic conversation: The therapist uses the different punctuations of the family in their description of the problem and takes complementary descriptions into consideration. (Punctuation/complementation.) In the description of alternative realities the therapist uses a language that creates hope for change. (Reframing.) The therapist listens to the family with respect and endeavours to hear the family's themes, to understand and to use them. (Language.) The therapist, by asking questions of which the answers facilitate further questions, accepts the responsibility to facilitate discussions that encourage participation in the therapeutic process. (Participation/questions leading to further questions.) The discussion was based on a constructivist approach. A case history was described to illustrate how meaningful alternative descriptions were developed in a therapeutic conversation. / In hierdie studie is 'n beskrywing van die ontwikkeling van betekenisvolle alternatiewe konstruksies gegee. Die ontwikkeling van alternatiewe beskrywings vir 'n pynlike situasie waarin mense hulle bevind kan die moontlikheid skep dat beweging plaasvind. Die ontwikkeling van alternatiewe beskrywings word bespreek aan die hand van die volgende vier komponente van 'n terapeutiese gesprek: Die terapeut gebruik die verskillende punktuasies van die gesin in hulle beskrywing van die probleem en neem komplementerende beskrywings in ag. (Punktuasielkomplementering.) In die beskrywing van alternatiewe realiteite gebruik die terapeut 'n taal wat die hoop op verandering skep. (Herformulering.) Die terapeut luister met respek na die gesin, en poog om die gesin se temas aan te hoor, te verstaan en te gebruik. (Taal.) Die terapeut neem, deur vrae te vra waarvan die antwoorde tot verdere vrae aanleiding gee, die verantwoordelikheid op hom om gesprekvoering te fasiliteer wat deelname aan die terapeutiese proses aanmoedig. (Deelname/vrae wat aanleiding gee tot verdere vrae.) Die bespreking is gebaseer op 'n konstruktivistiese benadering. 'n Gevallestudie word beskryf om te illustreer hoe betekenisvolle alternatiewe beskrywings in 'n terapeutiese gesprek ontwikkel is. / M.A. (Social Work)

M.A. (Social Work) / South Africa is a society undergoing major and rapid social change. An understanding of psychiatric services in the psychiatric hospital should also be identified within this context. The needs of the mentally ill and other interested parties will determine the extent of the services that need to be rendered. The social worker as part of the interdisciplinary team in the hospital, must have a clear perception of her professional role in order to render a relevant service. Social work must become more responsive to the consumers' needs and allow itself to be shaped by the context in which it is practised. In this study the role of the social worker in Weskoppies Hospital was identified by means of a descriptive research design with qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection. The qualitative research was done by means of in depth interviews and focus groups with interested parties. The quantitative research was done by means of questionnaires completed by patients of the hospital. A model for the role description of the social worker was derived from a literature study; the view of Lister, as described by the authors Hepworth & Larsen; the view of other authors and the results of the qualitative and quantitative research. The results of the research confirmed a need for social work services in Weskoppies Hospital. The greatest need expressed, was a need for help with material problems, followed by a need for help to be linked with other resources. Although community involvement was emphasised, there still was a need for individual counseling and support. Other important roles were also identified. The model serves as an integrated description of the role of the social worker in the hospital. From the results of the research it was thus possible to convey a clear picture of the role of the social worker in Weskoppies Hospital. Hopefully this will enable the social workers in the hospital to render a better and more understanding service to the patients, hospital and community.

Luk Leung Andrew. / "April 2004." / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 504-551). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Mode of access: World Wide Web. / Abstracts in English and Chinese; questionnaire in Chinese.

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

published_or_final_version / Social Work / Master / Master of Social Sciences

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