A notable paucity in practice interventions and literature currently exists in regard to self-support in first-time mothers. Recent literature and practice interventions seem to focus largely on social support resources, highlighting the deficiency in the investigation of self-support in first-time mothers as an integral and holistic concept and/or focus point for intervention. Literature continues to illustrate the many challenges first-time mothers encounter and therefore this study focuses on self-support experiences of the first-time mother in relation to her environment by providing an original stance of enquiry. The investigator aimed to explore and describe the experiences of self-support in first-time mothers in the Cape Metropole. The study was conducted qualitatively and according to an Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) research design. This provided the researcher with a dual method of investigation: The first undertaking was to describe actual accounts of the participants‟ self-support experiences, while the second was to give an interpretation of these accounts which would reflect their experiences in an understandable, yet authentic manner. The meta-theoretical framework of Gestalt Therapy Theory (GTT) was applied due to its holistic and integrative nature, while the additional theoretical frameworks of Self Determination Theory (SDT) and Positive Psychology (PP) served as contributors to deepen understanding. The sample consisted of thirteen first-time mothers from moderately diverse socio-economic backgrounds. The study succeeded in giving in-depth exploratory descriptions of their self-support experiences during the first two years of motherhood. Findings displayed that the participants‟ self-support cannot be separated from their constantly shifting environments and that self-support is an integrated and dynamic process of development. Internal elements as well as environmental factors prove to disrupt this process of self-support development. Vital components for developing self-support were assuming responsibility for own well-being as a mother; as well as arriving at insight. Joy and gratefulness as experienced by the participants were proven to serve as motivators to sustain self-support. The study further exhibits that a supportive relationship is able to exist between the first-time mother‟s self-support and her environment when she is able to effectively identify, reach out and utilise social support resources available in her environment. Self-support serves as an experiential process (as an alternative to a fixed outcome) where the first-time mother is able, through experience, to mature and become more self-supportive. Findings argue that ideal self-support during novel motherhood is the capability to be in a mature interactive relationship with the environment, constantly adapting according to the organisation of the environmental field. / MA (Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

The Student RAG Community Service (SRCS), a unique non-governmental organisation (NGO) of the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University, aims to support and to enable other NGOs to function independently. For this reason, the communication between the SRCS and these NGOs is viewed from the sub discipline of development communication, with the participative approach currently being perceived as the normative approach to communication for development. Communication between the SRCS and representatives of the NGOs should therefore conform to the principles of the participative approach to development communication to contribute to empowerment and development. The principles of the participative approach that was identified as relevant to this study are participation, dialogue, cultural sensitivity, to enable the community to be self-reliant and community development. This study is qualitative in nature and the research methods used to gather information about the nature of communication between the SRCS and the representatives of the projects are qualitative content analysis, partially structured interviews and observer–participant reporting. Although this study has focused only on early child development projects, the nature of these projects and their communication varied to a large extent. The overall conclusion of this study is that there are gaps in the participative communication between the SRCS and the representatives of all the researched projects. The type of communication between the SRCS and early childhood development projects did not conform to the principles of cultural sensitivity, community development and the enablement of the community to be self-reliant. These gaps are attributed in part to the present documentation of the SRCS (2010 annual report, portfolio descriptions, transfer reports and minutes of 2010’s and 2011’s meetings) as well as the fact that this NGO’s training guidelines do not emphasise the importance of participatory principles, and do not offer sufficient training in the implementation of these principles to its various members. Although the results indicate that the communication between the SRCS and the representatives of the projects presently does not conform to the principles of participative communication, the organisation is committed to addressing these gaps in future. / Thesis (MA (Communication Studies))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

Worldwide tourism has become one of the largest and fastest growing industries. Specifically in the South African context, this growth has been confirmed in recent statistics. However, the growth in the tourism industry does not occur without challenges. It brings both benefits and costs to the residents of a host community, consequently generating both positive and negative tourism impacts. Further, it is recognised that once a community becomes a tourism destination, the lives of the residents are influenced by that particular development; thus effecting their Quality of Life (QoL). Only minimal research has, however, been conducted to determine the influence of the perceived impacts of tourism on residents’ QoL, especially in the South African context. A number of theoretical frameworks have been developed in tourism to signify how the perception of or reactions towards tourism of residents in a host community are influenced at any particular stage of development. Pertaining to QoL, various theoretical models have also been created to describe the functioning of the construct. Although theoretical frameworks have been developed that are distinct to tourism and QoL; to date an integrated approach does not exist that explores the influence of tourism on residents’ QoL. In addition to the lack of an integrated approach in literature, the permanency of tourism products too have not yet been examined in literature. Further, permanency has not been examined in order to determine the influence of tourism impacts on residents’ QoL in selected towns, one being a permanent tourism product (PTP) and the other a nonpermanent tourism product (N-PTP). From the above, it can be seen that three theoretical and practical issues exist: (1) only a modest amount of research has been done to determine the influence of tourism impacts on residents’ QoL; (2) an integrated approach does not exist signifying the relationship between tourism impacts and QoL and; (3) permanency as a differentiation factor has not been investigated in host communities. By addressing these issues, a significant contribution will be made to literature, together with the ensuing practical contributions. Therefore, the main goal of the study was to develop a model to indicate the influence of perceived impacts of tourism on residents’ QoL in selected towns; these having specific differentiation made between a PTP and N-PTP. In order to achieve the goal of the study, five objectives were formulated: The first objective was to analyse theoretical frameworks of tourism and QoL and to identify a particular theoretical framework for the study. Specifically, the Social Exchange Theory (SET) was selected from the theoretical frameworks of tourism, while the Bottom-up Spillover theory was designated as it is peculiar to QoL frameworks. Therefore, the derived theoretical framework indicated that an ‘exchange’ process occurs between tourism development and the residents of the host community. More specifically, social exchange arises between the perceived impacts of tourism and life domains in order to establish the QoL of residents in host communities. The second objective was to analyse tourism both as an industry and product in a host community through a review of existing literature. From the literature review, it can be seen that tourism is a growing industry and product, not only internationally but also in the South African context. Permanency as a characteristic was explored comprehensively to define a tourism product while maintaining the differentiation between a PTP and N-PTP. Residents of a host community are noted as important roleplayers in the tourism industry as tourism impacts affect them in PTP and in N-PTP. This importance is emphasised as residents of a host community: (1) influence the tourism experience; (2) determine the attractiveness of a destination and; (3) control the sustainability of tourism in a host community. The third objective was to analyse QoL and its relation to the residents of a host community, once more, through a literature review. From the review, it was observed that QoL has different definitions and views, some more intricate than others. For the purpose of the study, it was determined that QoL can be described appropriately through the Bottom-up Spillover theory. Therefore, QoL is determined through the collaboration of various life domains that, further, may be either objective or subjective in nature. When examining the relationship between tourism development and QoL, it was established that tourism, through tourism products, produces effects that will influence various life domains, consequently determining the QoL of residents in a host community. As with tourism impacts, the QoL of the host community’s residents will subsequently: (1) influence the tourism experience; (2) determine the attractiveness of a destination and; (3) ensure the sustainability of tourism in a community. The fourth objective was to analyse the influence of the economic, environmental, social and cultural impacts of tourism on residents’ QoL and to differentiate between a PTP and N-PTP by using an empirical study. Having in mind that the main goal of the study was to develop a model, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modelling were conducted on the data. The models, constructed separately for tourism impacts and QoL, were subsequently integrated to determine the influence of the perceived impacts of tourism on residents’ QoL. The model with good model fit statistics and supportive of underlying theory was thereafter accepted for further analysis in order to attain comprehensively the main goal of the study. Thereafter, model development tested permanency of tourism products by specifically determining the influence of perceived impacts of tourism on residents’ QoL in selected towns (PTP and N-PTP). From the latter exercise, no practically significant differences were found between a PTP and N-PTP. Therefore, the model constructed as Stage 3 was accepted as the final model of the study and was given the title of Root’s model of Community TourQoL (CTQ). Specifically, the model signified that positive economic, environmental, social and cultural impacts influence residents’ QoL, while negative environmental and social impacts do not influence residents’ QoL in host community. Furthermore, the model showed that no differences were found between a PTP and N-PTP regarding the influence of perceived impacts of tourism on residents’ QoL. The fifth and final objective was to draw conclusions, indicate contributions, formulate recommendations and present limitations peculiar to the study. The greatest significance of the study is seen in the practical contributions of the study, specifically, the development of Root’s model of Community TourQoL (CTQ). Community and tourism planners and/management can implement the model in both PTP and N-PTP to enhance the positive impacts of tourism; while minimising negative impacts, in order to improve residents’ QoL. / Thesis (PhD (Tourism Management))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of manager behaviour on the turnover intentions of employees with scarce and critical skills in the mining industry. A cross-sectional survey design was used. A purposive sample (n = 505) was used to collect the data at a platinum operation. Questionnaires were given to employees with scarce and critical skills who fall within the C1 - D1 Patterson level range. Cronbach alpha coefficients were used to assess the reliability and validity of the measuring instruments. All the factors relating to manager's behaviour proved reliable, with the exception of feedback, and recommendations were made to improve the reliability of this specific scale. Results indicated statistically significant relationships between job satisfaction, recognition, feedback, communication from the manager and supervisor support, while a lack of job satisfaction, recognition, feedback, communication from the manager and supervisor support could be applied to predict turnover intentions of employees with scarce and critical skills. The moderating effect of supervisor social support between levels of recognition and turnover intention was supported. Based on the results obtained, conclusions were made after which recommendations were made for future research. / Thesis (M.Com. (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

The sharp increase in the number of older persons (60 years and older) is a distinctive demographic feature of the 20th century. Ageing populations and the unique challenges they pose have obliged countries worldwide to reflect on the problems relating to older persons. In 2002 the United Nations convened the Second World Assembly on Ageing at which the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA) was drafted and adopted. This plan sought to meet the challenges associated with ageing populations. In South Africa the elderly population is also increasing dramatically. The fact that older persons are starting to constitute a proportionally larger segment of the total population while they are, at the same time, amongst the poorest people in the country and dependent on others for support and care holds serious implications for South Africa. In post–apartheid South Africa (after 1994) residential care facilities were opened to all South Africans regardless of race or colour. Apart from dealing with diversity, residential care facilities have to manage the long–term care needs of older persons and their lack of the financial or human resources to sustain themselves. Against this background the South African government promulgated legislation in line with the recommendations of the MIPAA. The legislation seeks to lighten the burden placed on residential care facilities while, at the same time, emphasising the importance of enhancing the well–being of older persons. Despite the legislation and the policy frameworks, the circumstances in most residential care facilities in South Africa are challenging and call for action and psychosocial interventions. Given that racial segregation still exists in residential care facilities and the importance of the relational well–being of older persons, it was decided to explore the sense of community of older persons in South Africa who reside in a diverse and economically challenged residential care facility. A purposive sample was drawn of the male and female, and black and white older persons living in the facility. The study used the Mmogo–methodTM, interviews, focus groups, observations and reflective notes to collect qualitative data from the research participants. A possible limitation of the study is that some participants – being older persons – might experience some degree of being cognitively challenged or might struggle to express themselves. To counter this limitation and to ensure the trustworthiness of the findings, a variety of data collection methods were used in order to be able to cross–check the information gathered. Apart from this, specific data collection methods were used that make provision for cognitively challenged older persons. As the study involved older persons as a vulnerable group, special attention was paid to ethical considerations. Ethical approval was granted by the Ethics Committee of the North–West University, Potchefstroom Campus, as part of a larger project, being: “An exploration of enabling contexts (05K14).” The main finding of the study is the low sense of community that the older persons in this particular residential care facility experience. This is supplemented by two themes that emerged throughout the study, being the lack of social interaction between the residents and the residents' need to have a sense of purpose. The occurrence of these two themes is supported by findings in community psychology and sense of community theories, and some of the findings of the study are consistent with findings reported in the literature. The study concludes with recommendations on how the residents' sense of community could be enhanced. / Thesis (M.A. (Research Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

This cross-sectional postal survey explores the relationship between musculoskeletal painand level of education in Ullensaker municipality. We used a Standard Nordic Questionnaire(SNQ) to register self-reported musculoskeletal pain in 3325 persons in 2004 (participationrate 55 %). We registered educational level and a series of other demographic and life-stylevariables as well as functional ability and subjective health complaints. We found in thisstudy that educational level and musculoskeletal pain is associated. People with loweducational levels are prone to have more musculoskeletal pain than persons with highereducation. When it comes to musculoskeletal pain that is limiting persons in their daily tasksthe difference is even larger between persons with low educational level and persons withhigher education / I en postal tverrsnittstudie har vi undersøkt forholdet mellom muskelsmerter ogutdanningsnivå i Ullensaker kommune. Vi brukte et standardisert spørreskjema ommuskelsmerter (også kalt Ørebro-skjemaet) og fikk svar fra 3325 personer (svarprosent55%). Vi registrerte utdanningsnivå og en rekke andre demografiske- og livsstilsvariablesamt funksjonsevne og subjektive helseplager. Vi fant i denne studien ensammenheng mellom utdanningsnivå og muskelsmerter. Personer med lavtutdanningsnivå har mer muskelsmerter enn personer med høyere utdanning. Når detgjelder å bli hindret i sine daglige aktiviteter av smertene er forskjellene enda størremellom de med lav utdanning og de med høy utdanning / <p>ISBN 978-91-85721-43-6</p>

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of manager behaviour on the turnover intentions of employees with scarce and critical skills in the mining industry. A cross-sectional survey design was used. A purposive sample (n = 505) was used to collect the data at a platinum operation. Questionnaires were given to employees with scarce and critical skills who fall within the C1 - D1 Patterson level range. Cronbach alpha coefficients were used to assess the reliability and validity of the measuring instruments. All the factors relating to manager's behaviour proved reliable, with the exception of feedback, and recommendations were made to improve the reliability of this specific scale. Results indicated statistically significant relationships between job satisfaction, recognition, feedback, communication from the manager and supervisor support, while a lack of job satisfaction, recognition, feedback, communication from the manager and supervisor support could be applied to predict turnover intentions of employees with scarce and critical skills. The moderating effect of supervisor social support between levels of recognition and turnover intention was supported. Based on the results obtained, conclusions were made after which recommendations were made for future research. / Thesis (M.Com. (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

The sharp increase in the number of older persons (60 years and older) is a distinctive demographic feature of the 20th century. Ageing populations and the unique challenges they pose have obliged countries worldwide to reflect on the problems relating to older persons. In 2002 the United Nations convened the Second World Assembly on Ageing at which the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA) was drafted and adopted. This plan sought to meet the challenges associated with ageing populations. In South Africa the elderly population is also increasing dramatically. The fact that older persons are starting to constitute a proportionally larger segment of the total population while they are, at the same time, amongst the poorest people in the country and dependent on others for support and care holds serious implications for South Africa. In post–apartheid South Africa (after 1994) residential care facilities were opened to all South Africans regardless of race or colour. Apart from dealing with diversity, residential care facilities have to manage the long–term care needs of older persons and their lack of the financial or human resources to sustain themselves. Against this background the South African government promulgated legislation in line with the recommendations of the MIPAA. The legislation seeks to lighten the burden placed on residential care facilities while, at the same time, emphasising the importance of enhancing the well–being of older persons. Despite the legislation and the policy frameworks, the circumstances in most residential care facilities in South Africa are challenging and call for action and psychosocial interventions. Given that racial segregation still exists in residential care facilities and the importance of the relational well–being of older persons, it was decided to explore the sense of community of older persons in South Africa who reside in a diverse and economically challenged residential care facility. A purposive sample was drawn of the male and female, and black and white older persons living in the facility. The study used the Mmogo–methodTM, interviews, focus groups, observations and reflective notes to collect qualitative data from the research participants. A possible limitation of the study is that some participants – being older persons – might experience some degree of being cognitively challenged or might struggle to express themselves. To counter this limitation and to ensure the trustworthiness of the findings, a variety of data collection methods were used in order to be able to cross–check the information gathered. Apart from this, specific data collection methods were used that make provision for cognitively challenged older persons. As the study involved older persons as a vulnerable group, special attention was paid to ethical considerations. Ethical approval was granted by the Ethics Committee of the North–West University, Potchefstroom Campus, as part of a larger project, being: “An exploration of enabling contexts (05K14).” The main finding of the study is the low sense of community that the older persons in this particular residential care facility experience. This is supplemented by two themes that emerged throughout the study, being the lack of social interaction between the residents and the residents' need to have a sense of purpose. The occurrence of these two themes is supported by findings in community psychology and sense of community theories, and some of the findings of the study are consistent with findings reported in the literature. The study concludes with recommendations on how the residents' sense of community could be enhanced. / Thesis (M.A. (Research Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

Text in Afrikaans, abstract in Afrikaans and English / Die doel van hierdie navorsing was om te bepaal of betekenisvolle verskille bestaan tussen werknemerdoeltreffendheid en persepsies van gehalte van werklewe van bemagtigde en niebemagtigde skofwerkers in die Suid-Afrikaanse petrochemiese bedryf. Skofwerknavorsing het gedurende die afgelope dekade internasionaal toegeneem. Hiermee gepaardgaande het verskeie intervensies ontstaan om die doeltreffendheid van skofwerkers en hulle gehalte van werklewe te bevorder. Deur gebruik te maak van 'n gekombineerde vraelys ("Standard Shiftwork Index") en werklike data ten opsigte van afwesigheid en prestasiebeoordelings, is 'n steekproef van 102 gevalle geanaliseer. 'n 90 persent betroubaarheidinterval is gebruik om waardes ten opsigte van elke veranderlike te bepaal. Daar is bevind dat werknemerbemagtiging weinig invloed het op skofwerkers se werkbywoning. Daar is ook gevind dat werknemerbemagtiging nie lei tot 'n meer positiewe persepsie, by toesighouers, van skofwerkwerkers se algemene werkprestasie nie. Daar is egter bevind dat skofwerkers se persepsies van hulle gehalte van werklewe, ten opsigte van werkdissatisfaksie, chroniese vermoeidheid en tevredenheid met sosiale omstandighede, wel positiefbelnvloed word deur werknemerbemagtiging. Aanbevelings is gemaak ten opsigte van die aanwending van werknemerbemagtiging, as intervensie in skofwerkomgewings, asook vir verdere skofwerknavorsing in Suid-Afrika. / The purpose of this research was to determine if significant differences exist between employee effectiveness and perceptions of quality of working life of empowered and non-empowered shiftworkers in the South-African petrochemical industry. By using the Standard Shiftwork Index and real absenteeism and appraisal data, a sample of 102 cases was analysed. A 90 percent confidence interval was used to determine t-values for variables. It was found that empowerment has little influence on the work attendance of shiftworkers and that empowerment does not lead to more positive perceptions of general work performance of shiftworkers, among their supervisors. It was, however, found that shiftworkers' perceptions of their quality of working life are improved by empowerment in respect of work dissatisfaction, chronic fatigue and satisfaction with social circumstances. Suggestions were made concerning the use of empowerment, as an intervention, in shiftwork environments and for future shiftwork research in South-Africa. / Industrial and Organisational Psychology / M.Comm. (Bedryfsielkunde)

Text in Afrikaans / Die Wetenskap filosofiese en prakties teologiese posisionering word deur 'n postmoderne benadering bepaal. Met die doel van die studie naamlik, dekonstruksie van die teologiese diskoers, liefde, in die oog, volg 'n blik op kwalitatiewe navorsing. Sosiale konstruksie diskoers word as epistemologiese vertrekpunt bespreek. Metodologies het die keuse op 'n narratiewe benadering geval. Voortvloeiend hieruit volg die gebruik van metafore, eksternalisering en dekonstruksie van die gesprekke. Die doel van die studie vereis ook bestudering van verskeie sienings oor liefde. Die literatuurstudie word bespreek onder die volgende metafore, naamlik algemene sienings, 'n historiese oorsig en teologiese sienings. Die relevansie van die gekose inligting word weerspieel in die gesprekke. Met behulp van veelvuldige reflekterende gesprekke word saam met gesinne gekonstrueer aan 'n nuwe verstaan van liefde. / Both the Scientific Philosophical and the practical theological positioning are determined by a postmodemistic approach. Keeping in mind the aim of this study, namely the deconstruction of the theological discourse, iove, a view on qualitative research is given. A review of social construction discourse as epistemological starting point is given. Methodologically a narrative approach was used. Emanating from this follows the use of metaphors, externalization and deconstruction of the interviews. The aim of this study also demands the study of various views on love. The study is arranged under the following metaphors, namely general views, a historic review and theological views. The relevance of the chosen information is reflected in the interviews, and new understanding of love is constructed in collaboration with the families. / M.Th.(Practical theology)