Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Background South Africa is the country with the largest number of HIV infections in the world. As behaviour change initiatives have been suboptimal in curbing the spread of the pandemic, an HIV vaccine is likely to be an important development as a biological agent may circumvent some of the challenges of initiating widespread behaviour change. The development of an HIV vaccine will require several thousands of HIV negative participants who are at high risk of HIV infection to participate in HIV vaccine clinical trials. Before recruitment for such trials may begin, various scientific, ethical, and sociobehavioural issues need to be considered. One of the key sociobehavioural issues concerns the willingness of individuals at high risk of HIV infection to participate in HIV vaccine trials. However, a psychometric measure of willingness to participate (WTP) has not been constructed, and there is a paucity of theory to guide studies of WTP. Objectives The first objective of this study was to construct a psychometric measure of WTP in an HIV vaccine trial, and to derive the exploratory factor structure of the measure. The second objective was to examine the extent to which the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) could predict variance in WTP, and to determine whether the TPB was strengthened by the inclusion of mistrust of researchers, knowledge of HIV vaccines and HIV vaccine trials, altruism, and perceived risk of HIV infection as additional predictor variables. Methodology This study was a research survey with a cross-sectional design. A convenience sample of 399 participants was recruited from an urban-informal settlement near Cape Town. As 79 of the questionnaires were poorly completed, the final sample size was 320. To develop a measure of WTP in an HIV vaccine trial, an item pool was developed whereby items directly reflected inhibitors and facilitators of WTP. After an iterative process of refinement, the final scale consisted of 35 items and was named the Willingness to Participate Scale (WTPS). A principal component Kaiser normalised exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted on the items that constituted the WTPS. This procedure was performed to identify latent factors which were informed by the items of the scale. To test the predictive capacity of the TPB and the additional predictor variables, a two-step linear hierarchical multiple regression analysis was performed. At step 1, the TPB variables were entered simultaneously. At step 2, the TPB variables along with the additional predictor variables were entered simultaneously. Results The WTPS demonstrated excellent internal consistency (α = 0.90) and initial construct validity, as evidenced by the presence of seven latent factors. The factors accounted for 53.15% of the variance in WTP and were: (i) Social approval and trust; (ii) Stigmatisation; (iii) Personal costs; (iv) Personal gains; (v) Personal risks; (vi) Convenience; and (vii) Safety. The TPB significantly accounted for 6.4% (R² = 0.06) of the variance in WTP [F(3, 316) = 7.16, p < 0.001], yielding a small effect size (ƒ2 = 0.06). The TPB, together with mistrust, knowledge of HIV vaccines and HIV vaccine trials, altruism, and perceived risk of HIV infection as additional predictor variables significantly accounted for 10.2% (R² = 0.10) of the variance in WTP [F(7, 312) = 5.06, p < 0.001], yielding a small to medium effect size (ƒ2 = 0.11). Subjective norms, mistrust of researchers, altruism, and perceived risk of HIV infection were significant independent predictors of WTP. Conclusion Against the backdrop of the study limitations, the results of this study provide initial support for the reliability and construct validity of the WTPS among the most eligible trial participants in the Western Cape of South Africa. The findings also suggest that the TPB may not be an appropriate theoretical framework for predicting WTP in an HIV vaccine trial in this context. Nonetheless, normative pressure by others, mistrust of researchers, altruism, and perceived risk of HIV infection may influence WTP in this population. Implications for future research are discussed. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Agtergrond Suid afrika is die land met die hoogste getal HIV infeksies in die wêreld. Vir die ontwikkeling van 'n HIV entstof, sal daar vereis word dat duisende HIV negatiewe deelnemers, wat 'n hoë risko kans staan om HIV infeksie op te doen, moet deelneem aan 'n kliniese HIV vaksine proeftog. Verskeie, wetenskaplike, etiese en sosiale gedrags punte moet oorweeg word, voor die werwing van sulke proefnemings. Een van die hoof aspekte van sosiale gedrags punte is die bereidwillgheid van 'n individu om blootgestel te word aan die HIV infeksie tydens die proeftog. 'n Psigometriese skatting van bereidwiligheid om deel te neem (BODTN) is egter nog nie gekonstruktureer nie en daar is 'n skaarste/geringheid in studies om as gids te dien vir die BODTN. Doel Die eerste doel van hierdie studie was om 'n psigometriese skatting van BODTN in ’n HIV vaksiene proefneming te konstruktureer, en om die ondersoekings oorsaak/faktor struktuur daarvan te meet en af te lei. Die tweede doel was om ondersoek in te stel of die omvang van die Teorie van Beplande Gedrag (TBG) verskille kan voorspel in die BODTN, en om vas te stel of die TBG versterk word deur die insluiting van wantroue in navorsers, kennis van HIV vaksienes en HIV vaksiene proefnemings, altruïsme, en die begrypbare risko van HIV infeksie as adisionele voorspellers. Metode Hierdie studie is 'n navorsings ondersoek met 'n deursneeproef ontwerp. ’n Grieflike aantal van 399 deelnemers was gewerf van 'n informele nedersetting naby Kaapstad. Die finale getal was 320 omdat 79 nie die vraelys korrek on volledig ingevul het nie. Na 'n interaktiewe proses van suiwering/verfyning, het die finale skaal uit 35 items bestaan en word die skaal benoem na die Willingness to Participate Scale (WTPS). Die prinsipale komponent Kaiser normaliseer EFA wat gedoen was op die items wat die WTPS konstitueer. Hierdie prosedure was gedoen om die latente faktore te identifiseer wat beskikbaar gestel was deur die items van die skaal. Om die voorspelbare kapasiteit van die TBG en die adisionele voorspelbare verskille te toets, het ons 'n twee stap hiërargiese veelvoudige agteruitgaan analise gebruik. By stap 1 was die TBG veranderlikes gelyktydig ingedruk. By stap 2 is die TBG veranderlikes tesame met die adisionele voorspellers in gedruk. Resultate Die WTPS het uitstekende interne konsistensie en 'n aanvanklike geldigheid gedemonstreer, soos bewys deur die teenwoordigheid van die 7 latente faktore. Die faktore verantwoord 53.15% van die verskil in WTP en was: (i) Sosiale aanvaarding en vertroue; (ii) Stigma; (iii) Persoonlike koste; (iv) Persoonlike wins/profyt; (v) Persoonlike risiko's; (vi) Gerieflikheid; en (vii) Veiligheid. Die TBG verantwoord 6.4% (R²=0.06) van die verskil in BODTN [F(3.316) = 7.16, p<0.001] met 'n toegewende klein groote uitwerking/uitslag. Die TBG tesame met wantroue, kennis van HIV vaksienes en HIV vaksiene proefnemings, altruïsme, en begrypbare risko van HIV infeksie as adisionele voorspellers, verwantwoord 10.2% (R²=0.10) van die verskil in BODTN [F(7.312 = 5.06, p<0.001], met 'n toegewende klein tot medium groote uitwerking/uitslag (f²=0.11). Subjektiewe norme, wantroue in navorsers, altruïsme, en 'n beprypbare risko van HIV infeksie was betekenisvolle, onafhanklike voorspellers van die BODTN. Gevolgtrekking Teen die agtergrond van die studie beperkinge, het die resultate van hierdie studie ondersteuning voorsien aan die vertroubaarheid en konstruktiewe geldigheid van die WTPS onder die mees geskikste proef deelnemers in die Wes Kaap van Suid Afrika. Die bevinding stel ook voor dat die TBG nie altyd 'n geskikte teoretiese raamwerk is vir die voorspelling van die BODTN in 'n HIV vaksiene proefneming in hierdie konteks is nie. Des nie teen staande, normale druk van ander, wanrtroue in navorsers, altruïsme en die begrypbare infeksie van HIV kan die populasie deur die BODTN beinvloed word. Implikasies vir toekomstige navorsing is bespreek.

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: A review of the past decade of literature on the subject of depression in South African women revealed a paucity of research that documents the perspectives of low-income women who have been diagnosed with depression. Informed by this and recent feminist critiques of the concept of depression, this study aimed to bring traditionally overlooked perspectives to the fore by providing rich descriptions of the subjectively lived experience of depression, as recounted by low-income women themselves. This feminist phenomenological study took place in a poor, rural community in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with ten low-income women who had been diagnosed with depression. The transcribed interviews were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. A number of important findings emerged. Firstly, participants were seen to express somatic complaints ahead of (and more frequently than) disclosures of sadness. Secondly, participants often described experiencing their psychological distress as anger, anxiety and a changed sense of self. Thirdly, participants generally attributed these experiences (and their overall distress) to a history of childhood trauma, the loss of important relationships, being physically, sexually or emotionally abused, feeling under supported and overburdened by multiple responsibilities, living in dangerous communities, and/or the various consequences of poverty. Finally, it was observed that while symptoms of suicidal ideation and intent were present in many of the women interviewed, strong religious and cultural norms existed and generally functioned to silence and deny the subject. Overall, the women’s subjective experiences, understandings and descriptions of depression allowed a more complex picture to emerge than that which is currently offered by mainstream biomedical models. Consequentially, the current conceptualisation of the term “depression” was deemed to be inadequate, specifically because it does not fully capture low-income women’s experiences of distress, and also because it tends to obscure the possible impact of socio-economic and political contexts on their mental health. Implications of these findings include firstly, that not only does the diagnosis of depression serve to medicalise women’s misery, but it may simultaneously serve to obscure their feelings of anger, anxiety, sadness, hopelessness and other symptoms of distress that are intrinsically linked to their disadvantageous social and living conditions. Secondly, the findings indicate that the use of traditional diagnostic and suicide assessment interviews may be unhelpful or even irresponsible in some South African contexts. Finally, many of the study findings warrant further investigation and psychological research. Recommendations to this end are thus included and stress the need to use theoretical perspectives and research methodologies that are sensitive to the multilayered, complex psychological experiences of depression in low-income women. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: ’n Oorsig van die afgelope dekade se literatuur oor depressie by Suid-Afrikaanse vroue dui op ’n gebrek aan navorsing oor die perspektiewe van vroue uit lae-inkomstegroepe wat met dié toestand gediagnoseer word. Na aanleiding hiervan sowel as onlangse feministiese kritiek op die konsep van depressie, was hierdie studie dus daarop toegespits om tradisioneel miskende perspektiewe na vore te bring deur middel van ’n ryke beskrywing van die subjektiewe ervaring van die lewe met depressie soos vroue uit lae-inkomstegroepe self daarvan vertel. Hierdie feministiese fenomenologiese studie is in ’n arm, landelike gemeenskap in die provinsie Wes-Kaap, Suid-Afrika, onderneem. Semigestruktureerde diepte-onderhoude is gevoer met tien vroue in die laeinkomstekategorie wat met depressie gediagnoseer is. Die getranskribeerde onderhoude is op vertolkende fenomenologiese wyse ontleed. ’n Aantal belangrike bevindinge is gemaak. Eerstens het die meeste deelnemers somatiese klagtes gehad voordat (en meer dikwels as wat) hulle oor hul neerslagtigheid en terneergedruktheid gepraat het. Tweedens het heelwat deelnemers hul sielkundige nood as woede, angs en ’n gewysigde selfbeskouing beskryf. Derdens het die vroue merendeels hul ervarings (en hul algehele nood) aan ’n geskiedenis van kindertrauma, die verlies van belangrike verhoudings, fisiese, seksuele of emosionele mishandeling, ’n gebrek aan ondersteuning tesame met ’n oormaat verantwoordelikhede, hul gevaarlike woonbuurte en/of die verskillende gevolge van armoede toegeskryf. Laastens is waargeneem dat hoewel die ideasie en voorneme van selfdood wél as simptome by baie van die respondente opgemerk is, daar terselfdertyd sterk godsdienstige en kulturele norme bestaan waarvolgens dié onderwerp oor die algemeen doodgeswyg en ontken word. In die geheel skets die vroue se subjektiewe ervarings, begrippe en beskrywings van depressie ’n meer komplekse prentjie as wat hoofstroom- biomediese modelle tot dusver gebied het. Dus blyk die huidige konseptualisering van die term ‘depressie’ onvoldoende te wees, veral omdat dit nie die ervarings en nood van vroue uit lae-inkomstegroepe ten volle vasvang nie, en ook geneig is om die moontlike impak van sosio-ekonomiese en politieke kontekste op dié vroue se geestesgesondheid te misken. Die implikasies van hierdie bevindinge sluit eerstens in dat die diagnose van depressie nie net hierdie vroue se nood ‘medikaliseer’ nie, maar terselfdertyd dalk ook hul gevoelens van woede, angs, hartseer, hopeloosheid en ander simptome van nood wat ten nouste met hul minderbevoorregte maatskaplike en lewensomstandighede verband hou, verberg. Tweedens dui die bevindinge daarop dat die gebruik van tradisionele diagnostiese en selfdoodevalueringsonderhoude in sekere Suid-Afrikaanse kontekste nutteloos en selfs onverantwoordelik kan wees. Laastens regverdig baie van die studie se bevindinge verdere ondersoek en sielkundige navorsing. Aanbevelings in hierdie verband word dus ingesluit, en beklemtoon onder meer die behoefte aan teoretiese perspektiewe en navorsingsmetodologieë wat gevoelig is vir die meervlakkige, komplekse sielkundige ervarings van depressie by vroue uit laeinkomstegroepe.

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Parental loss and orphanage placement can be stressful and can negatively influence the well-being of children. However, few studies have been conducted on the psychological well-being of Ghanaian orphans placed in orphanages. As a result, the impact of orphanage placement following parental loss in Ghana is not well understood. The present study aimed to explore the psychological functioning and experiences of orphaned children placed in orphanages in comparison to non-orphaned children in Accra, Ghana. A mixed-method design with elements of both quantitative and qualitative approaches was used. For quantitative data, questionnaires were used to source information pertaining to quality of life, stress (symptoms of depression and anxiety), problems experienced during the month, coping strategies, perceived social support, perceived self-efficacy and resilience. For qualitative data, follow-up interviews with selected orphaned participants were used to delve into participants’ experiences of placement in an orphanage. Purposive sampling was used to select participants who were aged between seven and 17 years. The sample comprised 100 orphaned children, placed in four orphanages, and 100 non-orphans sampled from two public schools in Accra. The quantitative data were analysed using the t-test, the chi-square test, Pearson product-moment correlation analyses, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and regression analyses. The qualitative data were analysed through content and thematic analyses. The results revealed that orphaned children showed more anxiety symptoms than non-orphans but both groups of children presented with high levels of depressive symptoms. The predominant problems for both groups of children were problems with school and relationship problems with peers and caregivers. However, for orphaned children, relationship problems with peers were commonly cited whereas for non-orphans, problems cited were relationship difficulties with caregivers. Despite the heightened emotional distress, orphaned children reported high levels of self-efficacy and resilience as well as stronger perceptions of available support from friends than non-orphans. Non-orphaned children perceived significantly stronger support from families than orphaned children. Regression analyses also revealed that for orphaned children, anxiety and support-seeking coping emerged as significant predictors of qualify of life whereas depression emerged as a significant predictor of quality of life for non-orphaned children. Self-efficacy emerged as a significant positive predictor of resilience for orphaned children whereas self-efficacy and perceived social support emerged as significant positive predictors of resilience for non-orphans. The results of the thematic analyses of the follow-up interviews with selected orphans also revealed that orphanage placement evoked both negative and positive experiences. While orphanages provided structure, nurturance, a safe home environment and avenues for positive peer relationships that engendered a sense of belonging, they were also associated with financial constraints and relationship problems with peers and caregivers. In addition, the Christian-religious orientation of the orphaned children appeared to foster orphans’ well-being. The present study provided evidence that both the orphaned and non-orphaned children were vulnerable to psychological distress. Therefore, interventions should be effected to both groups of children. Furthermore, the study showed that orphanages provided sanctuary and nurturance to orphans who lack parental care and could be considered as a viable form of orphan care in Ghana. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Ouerverlies en weeshuisplasing veroorsaak stres en kan die welstand van kinders negatief beïnvloed. Min navorsingstudies is egter gedoen oor die psigologiese welstand van Ghanese weeskinders wat in weeshuise geplaas word. Die gevolg is dat die impak van weeshuisplasing ná ouerverlies nie goed in Ghana verstaan word nie. Die studie is daarop gemik om die psigologiese funksionering en ervarings van kinders wat ouerloos gelaat en in weeshuise in Accra, Ghana, geplaas word, te ondersoek en dit met dié van nieweesgelate kinders te vergelyk. ’n Gemengdemetode-ontwerp met elemente van beide kwantitatiewe en kwalitatiewe benaderings is gebruik. Vraelyste is vir die kwantitatiewe data gebruik ten einde inligting te bekom oor lewenskwaliteit, stres (simptome van depressie en angs), daaglikse streswekkers of stressors, behartigingstrategieë, waargenome sosiale steun, waargenome selfbedrewendheid en veerkrag. Vir die kwalitatiewe data is opvolgonderhoude met geselekteerde weesgelate deelnemers gevoer ten einde die deelnemers se geleefde ervarings van plasing in ’n weeshuis indringend te bekyk. Doelgerigte steekproefneming is gebruik om deelnemers tussen die ouderdom van sewe en 17 jaar oud te selekteer. Die steekproef het bestaan uit 100 weesgelate kinders wat in vier weeshuise geplaas is, en 100 nieweesgelate kinders wat as steekproef uit twee openbare skole in Accra geneem is. Die kwantitatiewe data is ontleed met gebruikmaking van die t-toets, die chi-kwadraattoets, Pearson-produkmomentkorrelasieontledings, asook eenrigting-variansie- (VARO) en regressieontledings. Die kwalitatiewe data is aan die hand van inhouds- en tematiese ontledings geanaliseer. Volgens die resultate toon weesgelate kinders meer angssimptome as nieweesgelate kinders, terwyl beide groepe kinders met hoë vlakke van depressiewe simptome presenteer. Die oorheersende daaglikse stressors by beide groepe kinders is probleme by die skool, asook verhoudingsprobleme met die portuurgroep en sorggewers. Wat die weesgelate kinders betref, word verhoudingsprobleme met die portuurgroep egter as die mees algemene probleme aangevoer, terwyl nieweesgelate kinders verhoudingsprobleme met sorggewers aandui. Afgesien van die verhoogde emosionele nood, toon weesgelate kinders hoë vlakke van selfbedrewendheid en veerkrag, asook sterker persepsies van beskikbare bystand deur vriende, as wat die geval is by nieweesgelate kinders. Nieweesgelate kinders neem beduidend sterker bystand van families waar as wat die geval is by weesgelate kinders. Regressieontledings dui ook aan dat angs en bystandsoekende behartigingsgedrag by weesgelate kinders as beduidende voorspellers van lewensgehalte presenteer, terwyl depressie as ’n beduidende voorspeller van lewensgehalte by nieweesgelate kinders presenteer. Selfbedrewendheid presenteer as ’n beduidende positiewe voorspeller van veerkrag by weesgelate kinders, terwyl selfbedrewendheid en waargenome sosiale bystand as beduidende positiewe voorspellers vir veerkrag, by nieweesgelate kinders presenteer. Volgens die resultate van die tematiese ontledings van opvolgonderhoude met geselekteerde weeskinders, ontlok weeshuisplasing beide negatiewe en positiewe ervarings. Weeshuise skep struktuur, koestering, ’n veilige tuisomgewing en kanale vir positiewe portuurgroepverhoudings, en gevolglik ’n gevoel van samehorigheid, ofskoon hierdie instansies ook met finansiële beperkings en verhoudingsprobleme met portuurgroepe en versorgers verbind word. Verder blyk dit dat die Christengeloof-oriëntasie van die weesgelate kinders die welstand van die weeskinders bevorder. Die aangebode studie lewer bewys dat sowel die weesgelate as die nieweesgelate kinders kwesbaar is vir psigologiese nood. Gevolglik word intervensies vir beide groepe kinders aangedui. Die studie toon verder dat weeshuise ’n toevlugsoord en versorgingsplek bied vir weeskinders wat nie ouerlike sorg ontvang nie, en dat dit as ’n lewensvatbare vorm van weeskindsorg in Ghana beskou kan word.

Thesis (MSc)--University of Stellenbosch, 2004. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study aimed to create an elaborate model that can shed light on the intra- and interpersonal functioning of middle childhood and early adolescent South African girls in child care. Data used included: 1) measures of self-concept that was measured by The Beck Youth Inventories: Self-concept inventory for Youths (Beck, Beck & Jolly, 2001), 2) a qualitative indication of perceived attachment towards a mother figure and 3) biographical data provided by the social workers associated with the children's homes that participated in the study. Participants included 70 girls between the ages of 9 and 14, of which 35 were assigned to the Children's Home Group. The Control Group comprised of the rest of the participants. Regression analysis, correlation measurement and the calculation of the significance of the differences between groups were used to test hypotheses. Results indicated that perceived attachment to a mother figure is a significant mediator of selfconcept, but that factors related to age seemed to have the most significant mediating effect during the developmental stages of middle childhood and early adolescence. The results were used to combine and elaborate on existing theories of intra- and interpersonal functioning in order to suggest a model that attempts to explain the functioning of South African girls in child-care in more depth. Implications for these findings are discussed. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van hierdie ondersoek was om 'n gedetailleerde modelop te stel wat lig kan werp op die intra- en interpersoonlike funksionering van middel-kinderjarige en adolessente dogters in kindersorg in Suid-Afrika. Die data wat gebruik is, sluit in: 1) meetings van selfkonsep wat gemeet is deur die Beck Youth Inventories: Self-concept inventory for Youths (Beck, Beck & Jolly, 2001), 2) 'n kwalitatiewe indikasie van dogters se persepsie oor die binding tussen hulle en hulonderskeie moeders, asook. 3) biografiese data wat verskaf is deur die maatskaplike werkers wat geassosieer was met die kinderhuise wat deelgeneem het. Die deelnemers het bestaan uit 'n groep van 70 dogters tussen die ouderdomme van 9 en 14 jaar. Die helfte van die deelnemers het vanuit die kinderhuise gekom terwyl die res van die deelnemers die kontrolegroep gevorm het. Regressie analises, korrelasie metings en die berekening van die beduidendheid van verskille tussen groepe is gebruik om hipoteses te toets. Die resultate het daarop gedui dat dogters se persepsie van die kwaliteit van die binding tussen hulle en hul moeders, wel 'n beduidende mediator van self-konsep is gedurende middle-kinderjare en adolessensie is, maar dat faktore wat verband hou met ouderdom, die grootste mediërende effek het op self-konsep gedurende hierdie ontwikkelingsfases. Op grond van die resultate is 'n model saamgestel wat 'n voortbouing is op bestaande teorie, maar poog om meer lig te werp op die intra en interpersoonlike funksionering van Suid-Afrikaanse dogters in kindersorg te verduilik. Die implikasies hiervan word bespreek.

On t.p.: Magister in Lettere en Wysbegeerte (Voorligtingsielkunde) / Thesis (MA)--Stellenbosch University, 2004. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study focuses on the identification and comparison of resilience factors in Belgian and South African single parent families. The participants (parents and children in single parent families) from the two countries were identified on the basis of the nature of the crisis and the stage of development of the families. Self-reporting questionnaires were completed separately by the parent and a child, as representatives of the family. The questionnaires comprised a biographical questionnaire (which also included an open-ended question), the Relative and Friend Support Index, the Social Support Index, Family Crises Oriented Personal Evaluation Scales, the Family Sense of Coherence Scale, and the Family Hardiness Index. The responses from parents and children were analysed separately, therefore dealing with them as four groups (Belgian parents, South African parents, Belgian children and South African children). Pearson product-moment correlations were calculated to determine which factors were most strongly related to family coherence (Family Sense of Coherence). Family coherence is a quality that provides an indication of the measure of success achieved with adaptation following a crisis (divorce). This was followed with regression analyses for identifying a group of resilience factors that would, in combination, provide the best predictor for successful family adjustment. The results of this study confirm that of previous research, namely in the findings that the different populations reveal similarities as well as differences with regard to qualities and resources utilized for successful adaptation after a crisis. Results reveal that the inherent strength of the family in all four groups (parents and children from both countries) is seen as one of the most important resilience factors (as measured by the Family Hardiness Index). Aspects that show strong correlation with family coherence are: a sense of control (the perception of how well the family is able to deal with a crisis) over the outcomes of life experiences; the family's orientation with regard to challenges that have to be faced; as well as an active orientation (tendency to do something about the situation) with regard to adaptation in a stressful situation (as measured by the Family Hardiness Index). The importance of redefining the problem (crisis) in terms of its significance for the family (positive, negative or neutral) was also identified as a core resilience factor. Results from the parents in both countries revealed that the number of years of separation/number of years that had elapsed since the divorce was a significant resilience factor. The longer the time period after the divorce, the better the adjustment. A significant difference was found between the results obtained for Belgian and South African children with regard to the duration of the parents' marriage and the duration of the period since the parents' divorce, and the relevance of this for the family's adaptation. The children from both countries revealed similarities with regard to the importance of the utilization and the support of members of the immediate family, the extended family and friends to overcome the crisis. The results obtained for parents in both countries did not confirm this aspect, i.e. the value of support from family and friends. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie fokus op die identifisering en vergelyking van veerkragtigheidsfaktore van Belgiese en Suid-Afrikaanse enkelouergesinne. Die deelnemers (ouers en kinders in enkelouergesinne) wat in beide lande geïdentifiseer is, is op grond van die aard van die krisis en die ontwikkelingstadium van die gesinne geïdentifiseer. Selfrapporteringsvraelyste is afsonderlik deur die ouer en 'n kind, as verteenwoordigers van die gesin, voltooi. Die vraelyste het bestaan uit 'n biografiese vraelys (wat ook 'n oop-einde vraag ingesluit het), die Relative and Friend Support Index, die Social Support Index, Family Crises Oriented Personal Evaluation Scales, die Family Sense of Coherence Scale, en die Family Hardiness Index. Die ouers en kinders se response is afsonderlik ontleed, dus was daar vier groepe (Belgiese ouers, Suid-Afrikaanse ouers, Belgiese kinders en Suid-Afrikaanse kinders). Pearson produk-moment korrelasies is bereken om vas te stel watter faktore die sterkste verband toon met gesinskoherensie (Family Sense of Coherence). Gesinskoherensie is 'n eienskap wat 'n aanduiding gee van die mate van suksesvolle aanpassing ná 'n krisis (egskeiding). Daama is regressie-ontledings gedoen om 'n groepering van veerkragtigheidsfaktore te identifiseer wat gekombineerd die beste voorspellers vir suksesvolle gesinsaanpassing is. Die resultate van hierdie studie bevestig dié van vorige navorsing, naamlik dat die verskillende populasies ooreenkomste, maar ook verskille, toon ten opsigte van kenmerke en hulpbronne wat hulle vir suksesvolle aanpassing na 'n krisis benut. Uit die resultate blyk dit dat inteme sterkte in die gesin in al vier groepe (beide lande se ouers en kinders) as een van die belangrikste veerkragtigheidsfaktore beskou word (soos met die Family Hardiness Index gemeet). Die volgende aspekte, te wete: sin vir kontrole (die persepsie van hoe goed die gesin 'n krisis sal kan hanteer) oor die uitkomste van lewenservaringe, die oriëntering van die gesin ten opsigte van uitdagings wat aan die gesin gestel word, asook 'n aktiewe oriëntering (geneigdheid om iets aan die situasie te doen) wat betref die aanpassing in 'n stressituasie (soos gemeet met die Family Hardiness Index) toon 'n sterk korrelasie met gesinskoherensie. Die belangrikheid om die probleem (krisis) in terme van die betekenis wat dit vir die gesin het, te herdefinieer (positief, negatief of neutraal) is as nog 'n kem-veerkragtigheidsfaktor geïdentifiseer. Beide lande se ouers se resultate het getoon dat die aantal jare wat die ouers geskei was 'n beduidende veerkragtigheidsfaktor is. Hoe langer die tyd na die egskeiding hoe beter die aanpassing. 'n Beduidende verskil is gevind tussen die Belgiese kinders en Suid-Afrikaanse kinders se resultate ten opsigte van die tydsduur van die ouers se huwelik en die tyd sedert die ouers geskei is, en die verband wat dit met gesinsaanpassing het. Die kinders van beide lande het ooreengestem ten opsigte van die die belangrikheid van die gebruik van, en die ondersteuning van gesinslede, familie asook vriende om 'n krisis te bowe te kom. Die resultate van beide lande se ouers het nie die voorafgaande aspek, naamlik die waarde van ondersteuning deur gesins-, familielede en vriende, bevestig nie.

Thesis (MA) -- Stellenbosch University, 2005. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study will review the literature on resilience in adult female childhood sexual abuse survivors with specific focus on incestuous abuse. Adults with histories of sexual abuse are categorised as either resilient or non-resilient on the basis of current functioning. Characteristics of the family of origin and its perceived contribution to the child sexual abuse are discussed. The developmental psychopathology literature addressing issues of resilience and vulnerability to stresses is addressed. The theoretical concepts of resilience, as they relate to protective mechanisms are discussed. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie navorsingstuk bied 'n oorsig oor die literatuur met betrekking tot die herstelvermoe van volwasse vroulike persone wat as kinders seksueel mishandel is, met besondere klem op bloedskandelike mishandeling. Volwassenes met 'n geskiedenis van seksuele mishandeling word op grond van hulle huidige funksionering beskryf as Of in staat om te herstel of nie daartoe in staat nie. Kenmerke van die gesin van oorsprong en die waargenome bydrae van die gesin tot die seksuele mishandeling van kinders word bespreek. Die literatuur met betrekking tot ontwikkelingsgerigte psigopatologie gee aandag aan vraagstukke met betrekking tot herstelvermoe en kwesbaarheid teen die agtergrond van stres. Die teoretiese konsepte van herstelvermoe, en die verband daarvan met beskermende meganismes, word ook bespreek.

Thesis (MA (Psychology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT:A lack of research on disabled women and HIV and AIDS within the South African context has been identified by various authors. The present research is a qualitative investigation into the lived experience of seventeen disabled South African women. Their knowledge of and attitudes towards HIV and AIDS and sex and sexuality, their lived experience with regards to these issues, as well as to sexual abuse, rape and violence, and their access to HIV related health care services is explored in the present study. Semi-structured questionnaires were employed. Content analysis revealed that most participants knew of HIV and of ways of HIV transmission, and slightly fewer of them knew where to access HIV and AIDS related health services. The vast majority of participants reported that they saw no difference between sexual practices and sexuality of disabled- compared to non-disabled people. Misperceptions of others’ with regard to the sexuality and sexual practices of disabled people were identified as the main barriers to disabled women’s equal access to HIV and AIDS related health services, and to their freedom of choice and expression in terms of sex and sexuality. Almost all of the women had been subjected to rape, sexual abuse and violence. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: ‘n Tekort aan navorsing oor gestremde vroue en HIV en VIGS binne die Suid-Afrikaanse konteks is deur verskeie outeurs geïdentifiseer. Die huidige navorsing is ‘n kwalitatiewe ondersoek na die lewenservarings van sewentien gestremde Suid-Afrikaanse vroue. Hulle kennis van, ervanrings rondom en houdings teenoor HIV en VIGS, seks en seksualiteit, seksuele mishandeling, verkragting en geweld, en kwaliteit van toegang tot HIV en VIGS-verwante gesondheidsdienste word in hierdie studie ondersoek. Semi-gestruktureerde onderhoude is met die vroue gevoer, en inhoudsanalise is toegepas. Bevindinge sluit in dat die meeste vroue van HIV en van oordragsmetodes bewus was. ‘n Effe kleiner groep van deelnemers was bewus van presies waar om toegang tot HIV en VIGS-verwante gesondheidsdienste te verkry. Die oorgrote meerderheid van die vroue het geen verskil gesien tussen die seksuele praktyke en seksualiteit van gestremde en nie-gestremde persone nie. Die wanopvattings van ander (nie-gestremdes) rakende seksuele praktyke en seksualiteit van gestremde persone is aangedui as die grootste struikelblok tot die vroue se gelyke toegang tot HIV en VIGS-verwante gesondheidsdienste, asook tot hulle vryheid van keuse en uitdrukking in terme van seksuele praktyke en seksualiteit. Bykans al die vroue in hierdie studie is al blootgestel aan verkragting, seksuele mishandeling en geweld.

Thesis (MA)--Universiteit van Stellenbosch, 2000. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The goal of this research is to establish the effect of a hypnosis programme, based on the cognitive behavioural-hypnotherapeutical model (Araoz, 1985), on amateur golfers with a handicap of less than five in tournament golf. A secondary goal is to establish whether the programme had an effect on their general golfing attitude towards competing in tournament golf. In this research the focus is specifically on "putting", because it plays an important role in tournament golf. It is a part of the game for which there is no prescribed technique, but which involves heightened concentration, and therefore psychological preparation is of optimal importance. The importance of psychological programmes to enhance performance is confirmed by literature. The participants were golfers with a handicap of less than five, and they took part in this research voluntarily. The group was split into an experimental and control group on an equal basis. Both groups took part in the same five tournaments prior to and following the intervention. The intervention consisted of a mental training programme and was supplemented by interviews, which were held with the experimental group before and after the programme to ascertain if it had an effect on their putting performances. The averages of their scores before and after the programme were measuredand then compared with those of the control group. The results of the comparison between the two groups indicated a significant difference between the groups regarding their putting stroke averages. The results of the control group scores indicated no discernable difference between the scores. The interviews confirmed this effect and showed the positive influence of a mental training programme on the general golfing ability and attitude towards tournament golf, on the experimental group. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van die ondersoek is om die effek van 'n sielkundige inoefeningsprogram, gebaseer op die kognitiewe gedragshipnoterapeutiese model van Araoz (1985),op amateur-gholfspelers met 'n voorgee van minder as vyf in toernooigholf vas te stel. 'n Newe-doelstelling sal wees om vas te stelof algemene gholfgedrag en ingesteldheid teenoor kompeterende toernooigholf gewysig is, al dan nie. In die ondersoek word spesifiek op die setwerk van gholfspelers gefokus omdat dit 'n beduidende rol in toernooigholf speel. Setwerk is 'n aspek van die spel wat baie konsentrasie verg, en omdat daar geen spesifieke tegniek voorgeskryf word nie, is sielkundige voorbereiding noodsaaklik. Die belangrikheid van sielkundige programme om sportprestasie te verbeter, word deur die literatuur bevestig. Die proefpersone wat aan die ondersoek deelgeneem het, het bestaan uit 'n vrywillige groep ghOlfspelers met 'n voorgee van minder as vyf. Die ondersoekgroep is op 'n ewekansige wyse in 'n eksperimentele en 'n kontrolegroep verdeel. Beide groepe het aan dieselfde toernooie voor en na die intervensie deelgeneem. Die eksperimentele groep is aan die sielkundige inoefeningsprogram blootgestel. Daar is voor- en na-onderhoude met die eksperimentele groep gevoer om vas te stelof die program 'n effek op hulle spel of gedrag gehad het. Die voor- en na-toetsgemiddeldes van die eksperimentele groep (blootgestel aan 'n sielkundige inoefeningsprogram) en kontrolegroep (geen inwerking van 'n onafhanklike veranderlike nie) is met mekaar vergelyk. Na die ingreep het dit geblyk dat die eksperimentele groep nie 'n beduidende verbetering ten opsigte van setwerk getoon het nie. Waar die resultate van die eksperimentele groep met die kontrolegroep vergelyk is, is 'n betekenisvolle verskil tussen die twee groepe gevind. By die kontrolegroep is daar geen beduidende resultate ten opsigte van enige veranderlike gevind nie. Uit die onderhoude het dit geblyk dat die sielkundige inoefeningsprogram 'n beduidende wysiging in die algemene gholfgedrag en ingesteldheid van die eksperimentele groep teenoor kompeterende gholf tot gevolg gehad het.

Thesis (MA)--University of Stellenbosch, 2000. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: AIDS is a killer disease which is spreading like wildfire in all sectors of the population of Southern Africa, in spite of AIDS prevention programmes that are implemented in these communities. Why does this state of affairs exist? Conflicting views exist about the origin of AIDS and about the knowledge of different racial groups with regard to the disease. A number of researchers have argued that knowledge or information dissemination is not a necessary condition for behavioural change, as is evident from historical efforts to combat sexually transmitted disease. However, this thesis shows that knowledge is a variable or component that has frequently been used in almost all studies done on AIDS in Southern Africa. The present author thus searches for the rationale for the phenomenon that knowledge of AIDS does not necessarily result in preventative behavioural change. In this regard the importance of effective communication strategies and cognisance of the nature of target groups are highlighted, because negligence regarding these factors can serve as an impediment to behavioural change. The whole social fabric of the target community and basic individual needs are important elements that should also be major considerations before preventative programmes are implemented. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: VIGS is 'n dodelike siekte wat snel versprei in aile sektore van die bevolking van Suider- Afrika, ten spyte van VIGS-verkomingsprogramme wat in hierdie gemeenskappe qermplementeer word, Waarom gebeur dit? Botsende menings bestaan oor die oorsprong van VIGS en oor die kennis van die verkillende rassegroepe ten opsigte van die siekte. 'n Aantal navorsers is van mening dat kennis of informasieverspreiding nie 'n noodsaaklike vereiste is om gedrag te verander nie, soos blyk uit die geskiedenis van vorige pogings om seksueel oordraagbare siektes te beveg, In hierdie tesis word egter ge'illustreer dat kennis 'n veranderlike of komponent is wat dikwels gebruik is in byna aile vorige studies oor VIGS in Suider-Afrika. Die huidige skrywer ondersoek dus die rasionaal vir die verskynsel dat kennis van VIGS nie noodwendig tot voorkomende gedragsverandering lei nie. In hierdie verband word die belangrikheid van effektiewe kommunikasiestrategiee en kennis van die aard van die teikengroep beklemtoon, aangesien verwaarlosing van hierdie faktore as struikelblok in gedragsverandering kan dien Die totale sosiale struktuur van die teikengemeenskap en basiese individuele behoeftes is belangrike elemente wat ook in ag geneem moet word voordat voorkomingsprogramme ge'implemeteer word,

Thesis (MA)--University of Stellenbosch, 2000. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The primary purpose of this study was to determine whether there was a significant difference between the achievement motivation levels of male and female subjects, and those of white and black subjects. Gender and race are, according to research, two key factors in determining the achievement motivation level of people. These two factors will also, as the result of legislation, play an increasingly significant role in the future in determining the career progress of employees in South African organisations. The secondary aim of the present study was firstly to determine what effect gender, race, age and education had on the achievement motivation level of subjects. Secondly, the present study focussed on the relationship between achievement motivation, work performance and salary progression. A stratified sample of 240 subjects was selected from the clerical staff employed by an Insurance company. The sample reflected the composition of the company in respect of gender and race. The Indian, coloured and black subjects were grouped together under the classification of "black subjects". The 89 subjects utilised in the research around the relationship between achievement motivation, work performance and salary progression, were a part of the total sample of 240 subjects. The 89 subjects were not selected in a specific manner. They were, however, employees for whom salary information and supervisor assessment of work performance were available. The Work Preference Questionnaire was used to assess the achievement motivation of subjects. Work performance of subjects was assessed by supervisors on a four point scale. Salary progression was calculated by expressing subjects' 1994 salary as a percentage of their 1992 salary. Information in respect of educational level and age was provided by subjects themselves. Correlation coefficients between the variables were calculated to determine the existence and direction of any relationships between the variables. Multiple regression analysis was then used. The significance of the difference between the averages of white and black subjects in respect of achievement motivation scores was calculated. The most important findings can be summarised as follows: A significant difference was found between the achievement motivation scores of white (X = 10,95) and black subjects (X = 9,6), t(238) = 3,5736, p<O,OOl. The difference between the achievement motivation scores of men and women was not significant. Multiple regression analysis indicated that the effect of race on achievement motivation was significant after the effect of age, education level and gender was eliminated, F(I,235) = 4,425, P < 0,05. Multiple regression analyses in respect of the effect of gender, age and educational qualifications on achievement motivation, indicated that the effect of each of these variables on achievement motivation was not significant after the effect of the other variables was eliminated. A significant relationship was found to exist between achievement motivation and salary progression, r(89) = 0,21, P < 0,05. Decisionmakers and policymakers involved with affirmative action in the company where the research was undertaken, should take note of a finding of the study which suggests that the beneficiaries of affirmative action (blacks, coloureds and Indians) do not have the same level of achievement motivation as the people they have to replace. If one accepts that achievement motivation contributes significantly to the economical growth of society and that economic prosperity could play an important role in determining the success of affirmative action, it is obvious and essential that the development of the achievement motivation of these people should receive attention. Another finding which decisionmakers in business enterprise should take note of, is that women in the present study do not have a lower level of achievement motivation than men. The reasons for the slow progress of women in the business world, when compared to men, should probably rather be ascribed to factors outside the control of women. These factors will include company policy, company politics and management practices resulting from perspectives based on stereotypes of women. The results of the research suggested that management rewards employees financially in accordance with their levels of achievement motivation. This practice could be seen as a calculated attempt on the side of management to maintain the services of employees who contribute constructively to company results. At the same time, this practice serves as an incentive to employees who do not contribute to the same extent to company results, to try to do so. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die hoofdoelstelling met hierdie ondersoek was om te bepaal of daar 'n beduidende verskil tussen die prestasiemotiveringsvlakke van manlike en vroulike subjekte, en tussen dié van blanke en swart subjekte was. Geslag en ras wat volgens navorsing twee sleutelfaktore is in die bepaling van die prestasiemotiveringvlak van persone gaan, as gevolg van wetgewing, in die toekoms 'n toenemende belangrike rol in die beroepsvordering van persone in Suid- Afrikaanse organisasies speel. Die newedoelstellings met die ondersoek was eerstens om te bepaal wat die effek van geslag, ras, ouderdom en opvoedkundige vlak op die prestasiemotiveringsvlak van subjekte was. Tweedens het die ondersoek ook gefokus op die onderlinge verband tussen prestasiemotivering, werksprestasie en salarisprogressie . 'n Gestratifiseerde steekproef van 240 subjekte is uit die klerklike personeel van 'n lewensversekeringsmaatskappy geselekteer. Die steekproef is so saamgestel dat dit die komposisie van die maatskappy in terme van geslag en ras weerspieël het. Die Indiër, bruin en swart subjekte is saamgegroepeer onder die klassifikasie van "swart subjekte". Die 89 subjekte wat betrek is by die navorsing rondom die onderlinge verband tussen prestasiemotivering, werksprestasie en salarisprogressie, was 'n deel van die totale steekproef van 240 subjekte. Die 89 subjekte is nie op 'n spesifieke wyse uit die steekproef geselekteer me. Hulle was egter werknemers vir wie inligting ten opsigte van salarisprogressie en toesighouerbeoordeling beskikbaar was. Die Werkvoorkeurvraelys is gebruik om 'n meting van die prestasiemotiveringsvlak van elke subjek te verkry. Werksprestasie van subjekte is deur toesighouers op 'n vierpuntskaal beoordeel. Subjekte se 1994-salaris is uitgedruk as 'n persentasie van hul 1992-salaris om 'n aanduiding van salarisprogressie te verskaf. Inligting ten opsigte van opvoedkundige vlak en ouderdom is deur subjekte self verstrek. Korrelasiekoëffisiënte tussen die onderskeie veranderlikes is eers bereken sodat enige moontlike verwantskappe tussen die veranderlikes en die rigting daarvan bepaal kon word. Meervoudige regressieanalise is daarna uitgevoer. Beduidendheid van verskille tussen die rekenkundige gemiddeldes van swart en blanke subjekte ten opsigte van prestasiemotiveringstellings is bepaal. Die belangrikste bevindinge kan soos volg opgesom word: Daar is 'n beduidende verskil gevind tussen die prestasiemotiveringstellings van blanke (X = 10,95) en swart subjekte (X = 9,6), t (238) = 3,5736, P < 0,001. Die verskil tussen die prestasiemotiveringstelling van mans en vroue was nie beduidend nie. Meervoudige regressieontleding het getoon dat die effek van ras op prestasiemotivering beduidend was, nadat die effek van ouderdom, opvoedkundige vlak en geslag verwyder is, F(I,235) = 4,425, P < 0,05. Meervoudige regressieontledings ten opsigte van die effek van geslag, ouderdom en opvoedkundige kwalifikasies op prestasiemotivering, het daarop gedui dat die effek van elk van hierdie veranderlikes op prestasiemotivering nadat die effek van die ander veranderlikes verwyder is, nie beduidend was nie. Daar is 'n beduidende verband gevind tussen prestasiemotivering en salarisprogressie, r(89) = 0,21, P < 0,05. 'n Belangrike bevinding van die ondersoek waarvan besluitnemers en beleidmakers wat betrokke is by regstellende aksie binne die organisasie waar die navorsing onderneem is, behoort kennis te neem, is dat die persone (swartmense, bruinmense en Indiërs) wat die begunstigdes van hierdie aksies is, nie oor dieselfde vlak van prestasiemotivering beskik as die persone (blankes) wat hulle moet vervang nie. Indien aanvaar word dat prestasiemotivering 'n beduidende bydrae lewer tot die ekonomiese welvaart van gemeenskappe, en dat ekonomiese welvaart 'n belangrike rol kan speel in die bepaling van die sukses van regstellende aksie, is dit vanselfsprekend en noodsaaklik dat die ontwikkeling van prestasiemotivering by hierdie persone aandag moet geniet. Nog'n bevinding waarvan besluitnemers in sakeondernemings spesifiek moet kennis neem, is dat vroue in hierdie ondersoek nie oor 'n laer prestasiemotiveringsvlak as mans beskik nie. Dieredes vir die stadige vordering van vroue in vergelyking met mans in die sakewêreld, moet waarskynlik eerder toegeskryf word aan faktore buite beheer van vroue, soos byvoorbeeld maatskappybeleid, maatskappypolitiek en bestuurspraktyke gebaseer op stereotipe aannames oor vroue. Die resultate van die ondersoek het ook getoon dat werknemers finansieel beloon word na gelang van hul vlak van prestasiemotivering. Hierdie benadering is waarskynlik 'n berekende poging deur bestuur om deur middel van die verlening van erkenning, werknemers wat 'n positiewe bydrae tot maatskappy resultate lewer, te behou. Terselfdertyd dien dié praktyk ook as 'n aansporing vir werknemers wat nie dieselfde mate van positiewe bydrae tot die maatskappy lewer nie, om dit wel te probeer doen.