This study outlines and evaluates a twelve week sociodrama programme aimed at creating cross-cultural awareness amongst adolescents. Three experimental groups and two control groups were involved in this process. Sociodrama is an experiential method of group work that utilises member strengths and experiences to create "shared" or "collective" dramas or enactments. Individual therapy is not involved. The process is "member-driven", with the director acting in an egalitarian manner as facilitator. Once the warm-up and enactments have occured, group members discuss the learning and exchange ideas about the process. This includes three methods of "learning" - behavioural, cognitive and affective. This study confirms that sociodrama is an effective method of creating crosscultural awareness amongst adolescents. / Social Work / M.A. (Mental Health)

This study outlines and evaluates a twelve week sociodrama programme aimed at creating cross-cultural awareness amongst adolescents. Three experimental groups and two control groups were involved in this process. Sociodrama is an experiential method of group work that utilises member strengths and experiences to create "shared" or "collective" dramas or enactments. Individual therapy is not involved. The process is "member-driven", with the director acting in an egalitarian manner as facilitator. Once the warm-up and enactments have occured, group members discuss the learning and exchange ideas about the process. This includes three methods of "learning" - behavioural, cognitive and affective. This study confirms that sociodrama is an effective method of creating crosscultural awareness amongst adolescents. / Social Work / M.A. (Mental Health)

The impact of intervention strategies to reduce gang related violence by Non- Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and the community at large has so far not attracted much attention or support from provincial and national authorities. Helenvale and its surrounding areas plays an integral part of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality as the economic-hub of the Eastern Cape Province. But its gang problem has evolved over decades of socio-economic difficulties and struggle for a better life in the predominantly Coloured community. In order for this problem to be overcome a more strategically focused intervention strategy is required by local, provincial, and national authorities. This research study evaluates the gang intervention strategies in the Helenvale area and seeks to provide a primary research base from which key policies and strategies could be developed to address this challenge in an effort to bring about peace and stability in this community and other affected areas within close proximity of the area of study. At the heart of providing possible solutions to practices of gangsterism amongst mostly the youth, should be a well-coordinated intergovernmental high impact intervention strategy in partnership with NGO’s, civil society and other sectors of the community. Further solutions are the investment by authorities in rehabilitation centres, with skills development and job-creation opportunities as a key exit strategy for those involved in gangs. Acknowledgement that the enhancement and development of mediation skills of community based structures through the sharing of critical conflict theory and mediation practices, could make a substantial contribution to greater peace and stability in our communities.

Social Work / D.Phil. (Social Work)

Social Work / D.Phil. (Social Work)

Many young persons live under difficult circumstances. Factors including HIV/AIDS pandemic, exacerbate the need to place young persons into alternative placements. The new and the unknown can be frightening but carrying a faithful transitional object establishes therapeutic bridge between the old and known and the new and unknown. This study sought to explore South African child and youth care workers' awareness of young persons' objects of significance in residential care settings. The rational was that with greater awareness, important objects may become a more useful option for the promotion of young persons' well-being. The research confirmed that South African child and youth care workers are aware of the existence and importance of significant objects. It further revealed that young persons possess different objects of significance to which workers need to pay careful attention. / Research Institute for Theology and Religion / M.Tech. (Child and Youth Care)

Social Science / M.A.(Social Science: Mental Health)

Many young persons live under difficult circumstances. Factors including HIV/AIDS pandemic, exacerbate the need to place young persons into alternative placements. The new and the unknown can be frightening but carrying a faithful transitional object establishes therapeutic bridge between the old and known and the new and unknown. This study sought to explore South African child and youth care workers' awareness of young persons' objects of significance in residential care settings. The rational was that with greater awareness, important objects may become a more useful option for the promotion of young persons' well-being. The research confirmed that South African child and youth care workers are aware of the existence and importance of significant objects. It further revealed that young persons possess different objects of significance to which workers need to pay careful attention. / Research Institute for Theology and Religion / M.Tech. (Child and Youth Care)

Social Science / M.A.(Social Science: Mental Health)

The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the vulnerability to HIV of rural male youth with regard to their beliefs, sexual attitudes and behaviour. The study took place in the Waterberg, a district of Limpopo in South Africa, and provided insight into and understanding of the youths’ attitudes to and intentions regarding HIV prevention and their perceptions of how they were influenced by the Boys2Men programme. The Theory of Reasoned Action and the Social Constructionist Theory provided a framework for the study. Nine participants between the ages of 19 and 26 were purposefully selected, and data was collected via individual face-to-face and focus group interviews. A number of semi-structured questions were used to guide the study, and data captured from the interviews was analysed by thematic content analysis. / Sociology / M.A. (Social Behaviour Studies in HIV/AIDS)