This study explored psychological strengths within an African context. Individuals in the North West province of South Africa are confronted with various stressors such as HIV, crime and unemployment, and yet they are found to be functioning successfully in spite of these stressors. The aim of the study was to identify the strengths that help individuals cope in the face of the stressors confronting them. Particular strengths coinciding with Western strengths were investigated, as well as those that appear to be specific to the Setswana culture. The study comprised two phases. Phase 1 involved two focus groups in an attempt to identify broad categories of strengths. Phase 2 involved individual interviews aimed at an in-depth investigation of the said strengths. Participants were mother-tongue speakers of the Setswana language, aged between 20 and 29 years, and exposed to poor socia-economic conditions. Whereas spirituality and a religious orientation amongst participants could be likened to features of Western culture, its manifestation in an African context may differ. In a similar way, the participants' hope and awareness of the future are regarded as strengths within Western culture. Also the sense of humour that prevailed is seen as a strength by Western communities. Wisdom, however, in spite of its positive status in Western terms, has a different meaning in an African context. Strengths that seem to be specific to the Setswana group include social support and a community spirit, which can be regarded as their prime strength. Human skills directed at the well-being of the group also belong to these unique strengths, and so do traditional practices creating a feeling of belonging and participation. While these strengths appear to be unique in Setswana culture, it is not implied that they are totally lacking in Western society, but that they do not enjoy the same priority. Further research is recommended to determine the generalisation of the results. / Thesis (M.A. (Clinical Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

This study explored psychological strengths within an African context. Individuals in the North West province of South Africa are confronted with various stressors such as HIV, crime and unemployment, and yet they are found to be functioning successfully in spite of these stressors. The aim of the study was to identify the strengths that help individuals cope in the face of the stressors confronting them. Particular strengths coinciding with Western strengths were investigated, as well as those that appear to be specific to the Setswana culture. The study comprised two phases. Phase 1 involved two focus groups in an attempt to identify broad categories of strengths. Phase 2 involved individual interviews aimed at an in-depth investigation of the said strengths. Participants were mother-tongue speakers of the Setswana language, aged between 20 and 29 years, and exposed to poor socia-economic conditions. Whereas spirituality and a religious orientation amongst participants could be likened to features of Western culture, its manifestation in an African context may differ. In a similar way, the participants' hope and awareness of the future are regarded as strengths within Western culture. Also the sense of humour that prevailed is seen as a strength by Western communities. Wisdom, however, in spite of its positive status in Western terms, has a different meaning in an African context. Strengths that seem to be specific to the Setswana group include social support and a community spirit, which can be regarded as their prime strength. Human skills directed at the well-being of the group also belong to these unique strengths, and so do traditional practices creating a feeling of belonging and participation. While these strengths appear to be unique in Setswana culture, it is not implied that they are totally lacking in Western society, but that they do not enjoy the same priority. Further research is recommended to determine the generalisation of the results. / Thesis (M.A. (Clinical Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

The focus of the study is on restorative experiences and the relationship between these experiences and psychological well-being. The variety of experiences that people experience as restorative were explored, as well as how often these experiences occurred. A working definition were written since no generally accepted definition of restorative experiences exists. A checklist with 22 categories of restorative experiences has also been drawn up. Students completed psychological well-being questionnaires and the results were used to form two groups: one with higher and one with lower levels of psychological well-being. The two groups were compared in terms of the restorative experiences present in their lives. Nature emerged as the most popular restorative environment. Rest was the most popular category with subcategories for sleep and holidays. Interpersonal contact was also a popular category for both groups. The categories for eating and drinking and activities that are damaging to the body showed important differences between groups in terms of popularity and frequency. The group with the higher levels of psychological well-being shows signs of a healthier lifestyle and they have a greater capacity to postpone gratification. In addition, they show fewer signs of substance dependency, fewer symptoms of psychological disorders and less avoidance than the group with the lower levels of psychological well-being. / Thesis (M.A. (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004.

The focus of the study is on restorative experiences and the relationship between these experiences and psychological well-being. The variety of experiences that people experience as restorative were explored, as well as how often these experiences occurred. A working definition were written since no generally accepted definition of restorative experiences exists. A checklist with 22 categories of restorative experiences has also been drawn up. Students completed psychological well-being questionnaires and the results were used to form two groups: one with higher and one with lower levels of psychological well-being. The two groups were compared in terms of the restorative experiences present in their lives. Nature emerged as the most popular restorative environment. Rest was the most popular category with subcategories for sleep and holidays. Interpersonal contact was also a popular category for both groups. The categories for eating and drinking and activities that are damaging to the body showed important differences between groups in terms of popularity and frequency. The group with the higher levels of psychological well-being shows signs of a healthier lifestyle and they have a greater capacity to postpone gratification. In addition, they show fewer signs of substance dependency, fewer symptoms of psychological disorders and less avoidance than the group with the lower levels of psychological well-being. / Thesis (M.A. (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004.

M.A. / Four out of every 1000 South Africans are in correctional facilities and adult males make up the majority of the total prison population in South Africa (Department of Correctional Services, 2005). Most prisoners eventually return to society and returning to criminal behaviour can occur very quickly. Ex-offenders face many challenges when reintegrating into society. Yet despite these challenges and the high rates of recidivism, many former offenders have achieved a socially approved adjustment, overcome their problems and become contributing members of society. Unfortunately one seldom hears the stories of those who have successfully reintegrated into society and there seems to be a lack of research in this area. Existing literature is largely focused on external factors which facilitate successful reintegration. However, there is a paucity of research on the psychofortological factors, such as psychological strengths and posttraumatic growth, which may contribute to this process. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to identify and explore psychofortological factors which may contribute to the successful reintegration of adult male ex-offenders into society. This research was influenced by the paradigm of positive psychology. From this perspective, people should be assessed on both their emotional problems and their strengths. One of the main premises of the strengths perspective is that people are capable of changing (O’Brien, 2001). This change can be facilitated by identifying a person’s strengths and resources, and using one’s strengths may increase success in many areas of life (Compton, 2005). It is important to know what a person has learned from their experiences and what resources they used to overcome challenges (Smith, 2006). This is particularly important in the case of offenders, since these insights may contribute to more successful adaptation. Although there are various ways to transformation and rehabilitation, there may be important similarities in the viewpoints of those who are desisting from crime. Thus there is a need for such research which could ii provide useful information regarding psychofortological factors which may contribute to successful reintegration. A qualitative approach was employed to explore the personal experiences of ex-offenders who have successfully reintegrated into society. The participants consisted of five adult male ex-offenders, who were interviewed according to a semi-structured interview schedule. Content analysis of the interviews was done according to the approach of Miles and Huberman (1994).

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

Employees in the workplace face many challenges that cause stress. Despite these stresses many cope and remain positive. This study investigated positive psychological functioning among civil servants and explored how they functioned despite stressors in the work environment. The constructs of locus of control, sense of coherence, engagement and their relationship to the burnout construct (viewed as the opposite end of the wellness continuum) were used to examine this behaviour. Results showed that high sense of coherence, locus of control and engagement scores resulted in low burnout scores. Internal control and meaningfulness were found to be significant predictors of engagement. Employees will therefore be engaged in their work only if and when they display and/or are allowed to exhibit emotional meaningfulness in their work and their relationships, and when they behave and make decisions from an internal motivation. / Industrial and Organisational Psychology / MA (Industrial and Organisational Psychology)

Employees in the workplace face many challenges that cause stress. Despite these stresses many cope and remain positive. This study investigated positive psychological functioning among civil servants and explored how they functioned despite stressors in the work environment. The constructs of locus of control, sense of coherence, engagement and their relationship to the burnout construct (viewed as the opposite end of the wellness continuum) were used to examine this behaviour. Results showed that high sense of coherence, locus of control and engagement scores resulted in low burnout scores. Internal control and meaningfulness were found to be significant predictors of engagement. Employees will therefore be engaged in their work only if and when they display and/or are allowed to exhibit emotional meaningfulness in their work and their relationships, and when they behave and make decisions from an internal motivation. / Industrial and Organisational Psychology / MA (Industrial and Organisational Psychology)

This study investigates whether a relationship exists between two constructs, namely sense of coherence (SOC) and organisational commitment, and their relationship with specific biographical attributes of consultants working in the enterprise resource and planning (ERP) industry. The results of the study indicate that, overall, a relationship at a significant level could not be established between the two constructs. However, some of the correlations in this study showed that a few relationships could be established at a significant level between age and tenure and some of the subscales of the two constructs. On the basis of the results of the study, recommendations could be made that apply in the ERP industry. Suggestions were also made for possible further research in other areas such as recruitment, employee development, employee reward, compensation and recognition, employee retention, succession planning, employee wellbeing and talent management. / Industrial and Organisational Psychology / M. Com. (Industrial and Organisational Psychology)