Text in Afrikaans / Die doel van die navorsing is om die individu se aanpassing tydens integrasie te ondersoek. 'n Gedragsprofiel vir aanpassing word in die literatuuroorsig voorgestel volgens sin van koherensie as konstruk van die salutogenese paradigma. Empiries word die lewensorientasievraelys as psigometriese instrument gebruik om sterkte van sin van koherensie te bepaal. K walitatiewe onderhoude, gegrond op fenomenologiese beginsels, word gebruik om aanpassing kwalitatief te evalueer. In die navorsingsontwerp is daar sprake van verkennende, beskrywende en verklarende navorsing en nie-waarskynlikheidsteekproeftrekking word gebruik. Kwantitatiewe en kwalitatiewe resultate word gekoppel ten einde inteme geldigheid op kontekstuele vlak te verseker. Bevindinge toon dat betekenisvolheid van die integrasieproses die vemaamste verskil maak tussen aanpassing en nie-aanpassing. Verstaanbaarheid binne grense van die onmiddellike omgewing en hantering van instrumentele eise sonder om die fokus op emosionele parameters te plaas, fasiliteer verdere aanpassing. Relevante sleutelwoorde is aanpassing, stres, patogenese, salutogenese, sin van koherensie, verstaanbaarheid, hanteerbaarheid, betekenisvolheid, fenomenologie en triangulasie. / The aim of this research is to study individual coping during integration. A behavioural profile for coping is proposed in the literature study based on sense of coherence, a construct of the salutogenesis paradigm. Empirically the psychometric instrument, orientation to life questionnaire, is used to determine the strength of sense of coherence. Qualitative interviewing, based on phenomenological principles, is used to evaluate coping qualitatively. In the research design there are signs of exploratory, descriptive and explanatory research and nonprobability sampling is used. Quantitative and qualitative results are combined to ensure internal validity on a contextual level. Findings showed that meaningfulness of the integration process is the major difference between coping and not coping. Comprehensibility within the boundaries of the immediate environment and the management of instrumental demands without focusing on the emotional parameters, facilitate further coping. / Industrial Psychology / M.A. (Industrial Psychology)

The importance of stress management is emphasized throughout this study as well as the need to cater stress management programmes to the unique needs of individuals. The possibility of introducing an animal-assisted stress management programme into the work environment is explored by means of a qualitative study in order to test out the feasibility of such an intervention. The positive physical and psychological effects animals have on humans has been extensively researched and reported. Eleven participants were randomly chosen from within the same department by means of purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews were held with each participant and thematic analysis was used to analyse the transcribed interviews. Various themes were identified and explored with the most prominent highlighting the need for privacy, respect and connection. Although animals do have positive effects on some employees, there are individual differences that need to be considered. An electronic animal-assisted stress management intervention is recommended. / Psychology / M.A. (Psychology)

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2004. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Psychological distress, whether caused by personality traits, biochemical imbalances, or difficult circumstances or events, can have a profound effect on a one's physical wellbeing and quality of life as an individual, manager and executive. Personality traits include type A personality, type B personality, being emotional as well as management style. Difficult circumstances or events include changes at work, the birth of a child, the death of a family member as well as a promotion received at work. Experiencing constant stress at work, in addition to having unresolved emotions such as sadness, anger, fear and anxiety can have an effect on one's physical health. This can be observed in management as sluggishness, tiredness, and depression, increasing susceptibility to infections, heart attacks, burnout, and rheumatoid arthritis. Personality, personal experiences and circumstances shape the way one responds emotionally to problems in life. A particular problem may cause one person to become ill, whereas another person might cope comfortably with it. However, because responses to problems are not set in stone, managers can learn to manage their emotional problems more effectively. Above all, managers can teach their subordinates techniques that can help them steer clear of self-neglect. People find themselves living and working in an era dominated by real-time business decision-making, and many managers are struggling to cope. Of course, there are also people who are happy, healthy, peaceful and wealthy and who seem to have it all. They have good positions and seem to have a balanced life regarding their family and work. They have achieved equilibrium. There is a perception that such people are just lucky. Perhaps they are, but more likely they simply possess appropriate coping mechanisms that others too can acquire. The objective of this dissertation is to assist not only managers, but also the individual to overcome the rat race that the new millennium has bestowed upon us. It further aims to show that everyone is capable of achieving the necessary tools to combat self-neglect and destruction of the inner self. It is suggested that by learning to change ones thinking and behavioural approach to an event it is possible to change the outcome of the event. By learning a few thinking (cognitive) and physical (meditation) techniques it is possible to overcome the mere interpretation of an event, which will allow the individual to improve their ability to cope with stress and maintain not only their own physical well being, but also the well being of the organisation. Furthermore, organisations may assist their employees by encouraging or creating a good working culture in order to improve both the coqqitive and physical environment as experienced by the individual. This "looking after the other" relationship can and will only have a positive effect. The poet, Khalil Gibran (2002), reflects: "But I say to you that when you work you fulfil a part of earth's furthest dream, assigned to you when that dream was born. And in keeping yourself with labour you are in truth loving life And to love life through labour is to be intimate with life's innermost secret." Thus to enjoy life through work, one should learn to enjoy what life hands out by changing ones perception of the event as well as the attitude towards life and work. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Sielkundige distres wat ontstaan as gevolg van óf persoonlikheidstrekke, biochemiese wanbalanse, moeilike omstandighede of gebeurtenisse ongeag die oorsaak daarvan, kan 'n wesentlike uitwerking op 'n persoon se liggaamlike welstand en lewensgehalte as 'n individu, bestuurder en bedryfsleier hê. Persoonlikheidstrekke sluit tipe A-persoonlikheid, tipe B-persoonlikheid, emosionaliteit en bestuurstyl in. Moeilike omstandighede of gebeurtenisse sluit veranderinge in die werkplek, die geboorte van 'n kind, die sterfte van 'n familielid sowel as 'n bevordering by die werk in. Voortdurende spanning by die werk tesame met onverwerkte emosies soos hartseer, woede, vrees en angs kan 'n uitwerking op 'n mens se liggaamlike gesondheid hê. In bestuur kan dit waargeneem word as traagheid, moegheid en depressie, wat 'n mens se vatbaarheid vir infeksies, hartaanvalle, uitbranding en rumatiek verhoog. 'n Mens se persoonlikheid, ervarings en omstandighede bepaal hoe jy op die lewe se emosionele probleme reageer. Een mens mag siek word weens 'n probleem wat iemand anders heel maklik sal hanteer. Bestuurders kan egter leer hoe om hul emosionele probleme meer doeltreffend te hanteer. Bowenal kan bestuurders hul onderskiktes tegnieke leer om te verhoed dat hulle hulself verwaarloos. Die individu leef en werk in 'n era wat oorheers word deur die neem van vinnige en goeie sakebesluite en bestuurders sukkel om by te bly. Natuurlik is daar ook mense wat gelukkig, gesond, vreedsaam en welgesteld is, en lyk of hulle alles het. Hulle beklee goeie poste en ly skynbaar 'n gebalanseerde lewe tussen hul gesin en hul werk. Hulle het 'n balans bereik. Die persepsie bestaan dat sulke mense eenvoudig geluk aan hul kant het. Miskien het hulle, maar dalk het hulle net die regte meganismes om probleme doeltreffend te hanteer wat ander ook kan aanleer. Hierdie skripsie se doelwit is nie slegs om bestuurders nie, maar ook die individuele werknemer wat vasgevang is in die "rat race" wat teweeg gebring is deur die nuwe eeu, te help om die effekte daarvan teen te werk. Dit streef verder om te bewys dat elke persoon instaat is om die nodige hulpmiddele te bekom om eie-nalatigheid en uiteindelik die selfvernietiging van die innerlike mens te oorkom. Dit word verder voorgestel dat deur die aanlering om mens se denkwyses en gedragspatroon benadering tot die aangeleentheid te verander, is dit moontlik om sodoende die uitslag van die aangeleentheid te verander. Deur die aanleer van 'n paar denkwyses (kognitiewe) en fisiese (meditasie) tegnieke is dit moontlik om selfs die interpretasie van die aangeleentheid te oorkom, wat sal toelaat dat die individu sy vermoë om spanning te hanteer en die instandhouding van hulle fiesieke toestand te verbeter. Maatskappye kan ook sy werknemers bystaan deur die aanmoediging van, of die daarstelling van 'n goeie werkskultuur om sodoende beide die kognitiewe en die fisiese omgewing soos deur die individu beleef, te verbeter. Hierdie "omsien na die ander" verhouding kan, en sal net 'n positiewe uitwerking hê. Die digter, Khalil Gibran (2002), reflekteer: "But I say to you that when you work you fulfil a part of earth's furthest dream, assigned to you when that dream was born. And in keeping yourself with labour you are in truth loving life And to love life through labour is to be intimate with life's innermost secret." Dus, om die lewe deur middel van werk te geniet, moet mens leer om dit wat die lewe uitdeel, te geniet. En dit kan slegs bewerkstelling word indien 'n mens se persepsie van die aangeleentheid sowel as mens se houding teenoor die lewe en werk verander.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship among perceived stress, stressors, and coping mechanisms of nurses in the areas of the intensive care unit, coronary care unit, cardiac recovery unit, and the emergency room. It was proposed that nurses in these areas perceive environmental and job stressors for which they developed specific copingmechanisms. It was further proposed that a relationship exists between levels of stress and coping mechanisms used by nurses.All registered nurses (RN's) and licensed practical nurses (LPN's) in each of the above units at Ball Memorial Hospital who agreed to participate were included in the study. The nurses were surveyed by questionnaires which they completed during their leisure time and placed in a drop box on their unit. No names or signatures were asked for. Informed consent was implied by the completion and return of the questionnaire which included, the Nurse Stress Scale by Gray-Toft & Anderson (1981), a coping mechanism scale by Kelly & Cross (1985), and a demographic questionnaire. Demographic characteristics included age, gender, educational level, marital status, years of experience, and type of nurse (manager or staff and RN or LPN). No risks were foreseen to the participants. However, it is hoped that participants in the study were able to develop a greater awareness of job related stress and coping mechanisms employed.The design of the study was nonexperimental, descriptive, and correlational. The independent variable was work related stress and the dependent varible was coping mechanisms. Pearson's product moment correlation, t-test, and multivariate analysis of variance were used to analyze the data.The results indicated that there were sigificant relationships between five of the stress subscales, and selected coping mechanisms. Total stress was also found to have significant posititve correlations with four of the coping mechanisms. There were no significant differences between RNs and LPNs in general level of stress and in the seven subscales of stressors. / School of Nursing

This dissertation studies the outcomes that higher education courses and seminars in stress management have on the stress levels of pastors. It identifies stress level differences between a sample of pastors who have and who have not been trained in stress management. The instrument that was used to assess the levels of stress was the Maslach Burnout Inventory. The Inventory is a twenty-two item dual-rating instrument that measures the frequency and intensity of three aspects of the burnout syndrome: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a lack of personal accomplishment. Demographic questions were used to determine the respondents' sex, age, education, and experience in the clergy. These questions were asked for descriptive purposes only. In addition, questions were asked that would determine whether or not the pastors had had stress management training.

Postal survey research was conducted between September and November, 1986, to gather information concerning the evolution, existence and extent of mental health services available to police personnel. Questionnaires were mailed to all 366 municipal, county, and state police agencies in the United States that employed 200 or more workers. Usable data were obtained from 76.8% of the agencies surveyed. Of the 281 respondents who returned usable data, 65.1% reported the existence of mental health services available to their police personnel. The majority of respondents (58.6%) perceived their mental health programs as being equally reactive and preventive in orientation. The most frequently reported existing components were outside agency counseling, stress management seminars, and testing of potential police recruits. Over half (54.8%) of the responding police agencies reported having between 10 and 19 components in their respective mental health programs. The implementation dates and evolution of twenty-five (25) components were examined, and specific components of various police agencies were also revealed. The majority of respondents (70.7%) reported their mental health programs were available to sworn and nonsworn personnel and their families. Almost all respondents (98.3%) viewed their programs as being cost effective. Also, most agencies were satisfied with the four treatment resources listed, which included in-house counseling, outside agency counseling, hospital in-patient programs, and alcohol/drug rehabilitation centers. Slightly over half (50.8%) of the respondents stated their service programs were entitled "Employee Assistance Program." Of the 300 staff workers holding mental health degrees, 101 were reported to have doctoral degrees in psychology. The most frequently reported personality theory utilized by staff members was eclecticism (48.5%). The prevailing high interest in police mental health services is discussed as well as possible reasons why some police managers may be apathetic towards the implementation of such services. Ways of educating police managers as to the benefits of police mental health programs are listed as well as topics for future research.

Patients with cancer transitioning from completing their final cancer treatments to survivorship are particularly at risk for experiencing psychosocial stress, and the Institute of Medicine (IOM) has referred to these cancer patients as “lost in transition.” In this study, patients with cancer in their transition phase after completing their final radiation treatment were defined as cancer survivors (CS). CS must deal with chronic stressors such as the fear of cancer recurrence as well as the resumption of their roles in their family and work lives. Chronic stress impacts the nervous system and increases secretion of stress hormones (e.g. cortisol) from the endocrine system, which in turn influences immune function. These systems are particularly relevant for CS since research has shown associations between abnormal cortisol patterns and increased mortality in breast CS and immune dysfunction in CS can increase susceptibility to infections. The theoretical framework of psychoneuroimmunology (PNI), which describes the interactions between the psychosocial, neuroendocrine and immune systems, guided the choice of outcomes for this study. The IOM has identified a lack of theory-driven interventions for managing psychosocial stress in CS. We reviewed the literature and identified two major types of PNI-based psychosocial interventions for cancer patients, namely cognitive-behavioral and complementary medical. One promising brief and inexpensive psychosocial intervention was expressive writing, which involved participants disclosing their deepest thoughts and feelings regarding their cancer in four 20-30 minute writing sessions over four consecutive days. We conducted a two-arm randomized controlled trial to determine the efficacy of an online expressive writing (EW) intervention delivered to CS who were 2-12 months post-radiation treatment completion. The results of this study revealed that EW was effective in regulating stress in our sample of CS over a period of six weeks as measured by lowered salivary cortisol levels and lowered self-reported fear of cancer recurrence. Online EW is a low-cost and convenient approach for delivering stress-management interventions for CS during survivorship. However, coordinated efforts are needed from health researchers, professionals and policy makers to define standardized approaches for testing psychosocial interventions and using PNI biomarkers to help develop evidence-based psychosocial cancer-care for CS during survivorship.

M. Ed. (Psychology of Education) / This study investigated stress prevalence among high school adolescents in Maseru, the capital city of Lesotho. The aim was to suggest guidelines on how to deal with adolescents’ stress. A total of 300 respondents were purposively chosen from 5 high schools in Maseru. The subjects completed a self adopted instrument based on reviewed literature and Adolescence Stress Questionnaire (ASQ). The results showed that most adolescents in the sample experienced stress. There was no significant difference in the experience of stress between female and male adolescents. The adolescents in the higher grade reported more stress than those in the lower grade. Home problems were perceived as the most stressful factors while academic and other factors were seen as lesser concerns. Availability of money was considered as the least important source of stress. Most adolescents preferred to be alone when they were under stress and a few used drugs. Implications of the findings for adolescents, parents, teachers and educational psychologists are discussed. / Teacher Education

Title: Utilization of physical activity to the influence of the health of top managerr Author: Bc. Martin Vojáček Supervisor: Prof. Ing. Václav Bunc CSc. Objective: Author of the diploma thesis Utilization of physical activity to the influence of the health of top managers deals with health issues stemming from the specific nature of the job of top managers. A key issue is the work related stress and its impact on the health of managers. The negative effects of stress and poor lifestyle are "lifestyle diseases" such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, disorders of the musculoskeletal system, burnout syndrom and chronic fatigue syndrome. Appropriately chosen physical activity based on the temperament can reduce risk, mitigate health problems and prevent the development of disease in all the aforementioned cases. The research survey conducted for 6 months on a group of five top managers attending in Fitness Slavia showed that exercise programs individually prepared on the basis of temperament have a positive impact both on mental and physical health of top managers. Methods: In this thesis these methods are used: measuring and testing, interviews, observation, study of specific literature and research. Results: The results obtained should help formulate the basis of the next...

Epilepsy is the most common, chronic, serious neurological disease in the world, with an estimated 65 million people affected worldwide. Recent studies on people diagnosed with epilepsy suggest that stress might trigger epileptic seizures. Interventions aimed at lowering stress might be able to reduce the risk for epileptic seizures among epileptics. In an attempt to explore this possibility, I conducted a systematic review addressing the efficacy of behavioral interventions targeted at lowering stress on seizure frequency among an epileptic population. This article also investigated the efficacy of these interventions on lowering self-perceived stress in the same population. Three databases were searched for obtaining 54 references. After a systematic filtering process, a set of 2 studies was retained after the full search procedure. The results suggest stress-reducing behavioral interventions do not have any statistically significant effects on lowering seizure frequency but have a statistically significant effect on lowering self-perceived stress ratings among an epileptic population. The small but promising results from trials and systematic reviews not included in this review warrant further research into the topic. Limitations regarding search procedure included studies and consideration for further research and reading for the presented topics are discussed.