This qualitative study focused on understanding risk influences for sexual violence against female students at the University of KwaZulu Natal, Westville Campus (formerly the University of Durban- Westville) in South Africa with the aim of suggesting intervention strategies for prevention. The participants of the study were male and female students at the University. One hour same gender focus group interviews were facilitated by trained Psychology Masters students of the institution in the afternoons after lectures. Interviews for the male groups were facilitated by males and female groups by females. Participants' responses were captured by tape recorders and then transcribed. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data. The factors that influence sexual violence on campus are discussed within the framework of the Theory of Triadic Influence (TTI).The emergent data of the current study suggested multiple influences for sexual violence within the three streams of influences of the TTI, namely, the intrapersonal, social context and cultural environmental streams of influence. It emerged that sexual violence was a problem on campus and most incidences were not reported to the University authorities. Participants in the current study also revealed a broader understanding of sexual violence than the current definition of rape. The majority of incidences of rape were reported to occur within the first few weeks of the academic year at parties meant to welcome new students. At intrapersonal level first year students' inability to adjust to University life, lack of assertiveness, misinterpretation of a woman's friendly behaviour by male as well as alcohol and drug abuse emerged as factors influencing sexual violence against women at the intrapersonallevel. At the social context level, peer influence among male and female students was found to be another contributing factor for sexual violence against women on campus. Depending on the group norms, male students would be pressured into being violent towards their partners. Female students were found to be pressurized into remaining in an abusive relationship. At the cultural! environmental level, participants revealed beliefs of men's superiority over women and these were reported to be brought about by socialization in society. Based on this study recommendations are made for possible interventions to prevent incidences of sexual violence against women in tertiary educational institutions in South Africa. These include orientation programmes for first year students that will assist them adjust to University lifestyle. Life skills education should be aimed at changing men's negative attitudes and aggressive behaviours as these have detrimental effects towards partners. Social events aimed at entertaining students should be closely monitored in order to eliminate every kind of unacceptable behaviour. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2007.

There are two dominant approaches to counselling for sexual risk reduction In South Africa. The TASO model which is based on client centred principles, informs much of vCT counsellors' training. More recently, the (ARRM) AIDS Risk Reduction Model which includes a cognitive behavioural component to counselling for sexual risk reduction has been introduced. A sample of vCT counsellors who have been trained using the ARRM were interviewed to develop an understanding of their experiences of using this approach. These participants provide a vCT service to clients in the midlands of the province of KwaZulu-Natal. A central finding was that although counsellors experienced the cognitive behavioural approach as having good potential for effecting sexual behaviour change, numerous barriers were identified to applying the approach within the South African context. Counsellors were also critical of the TASO model as a model for counsell ing for sexual risk reduction. Elements of the cognitive behavioural approach they experienced as useful included its potential for changing cognitions (misconceptions and myths in communities), the collaborative nature of the approach, negotiating strategies for risk reduction, use of a problem solving approach, follow-up and monitoring of behaviour. Barriers identified included contextual constraints such as poverty, gender power differentials and cultural practices. Also identified as a barrier was the dominance of the biomedical approach within the health care system. Despite identifying barriers to the application of this approach, counsellors remained optimistic that cognitive behavioural approaches could be adapted to the life context of their clients and that this could be facilitated through further training and mentoring. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2007.

This report presents the fmdings of an exploratory study into the perceived benefits and subjective experiences of Local Bird Guides along the Zululand Birding Route, an avitourism project, sponsored by Rio-Tinto, managed by BirdLife South Africa (BLSA), one of the largest conservation Non-Governmental Organisations in South Africa. The report explores the impact development and empowerment, through training, offered by BLSA as part of a conservation initiative, has had on the every day lives of Local Bird Guides. The fmdings are based on research generated by conducting qualitative, semistructured interviews with eight Local Bird Guides operating along the Zululand Birding Route. Recorded interviews were transcribed, and analysed using theory led thematic analysis. The results of the study provide insight into the perceived benefits and expectations of participants, their experiences, perceptions, expectations and disappointments in respect of the project. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2007.

The aim of the study was to explore nurses' experiences, attitudes and perceptions regarding the care of patients with the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) before and after the introduction of Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) in a rural KwaZulu-Natal hospital .. A secondary aim was to investigate psychosocial stressors that nurses experience and the support they receive in this regard. A qualitative study was conducted and three focus group discussions were conducted before the introduction of ART and five individual interviews were used for in-depth exploration of the health care workers' perceptions of caring for AIDS patients after the introduction of ART. Special attention was paid to nurses' experiences with AI DS patient care and with attention to stress and coping. The AACN Synergy Model was used as a broad theoretical framework for the study to guide the exploration regarding the influence of both nurse and patient characteristics influence the care process within a rural South African context. The findings suggested that before the introduction of ARV-therapy most patients had limited knowledge and understanding of HIV/AIDS disease and its processes. They and other significant others who could be a family member or even friends were marginally involved in the care process. Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) seemed to impact negatively on this situation, and patients were not willing to test and disclose their status to health workers. The knowledge around HIV/AIDS among nurses seemed to be inadequate due to the lack of support and training. They reported being inadequately equipped to deal effectively with caring for their AIDS patients. After the introduction of ARV-therapy, greater involvement of patients on ARV treatment was noted. The participation of significant others in patient management also improved possibly due to their involvement as treatment associates, a requirement of the ART programme. However, the nurses still reported inadequate knowledge not only around AIDS in general but also pertaining ART as well as in the provision of psychosocial support to their patients. The study also revealed that the Synergy Model for patient care, which compares the patient characteristics to nurse competencies can be used to gain insight into patient care and its demands. This model has also suggested weaknesses in nurses' training that need attention. Nurses are expected to use insight into patients needs to improve their competencies to meet the challenges of AIDS patient care and to fulfill their mandate as the key stakeholders on patient care. Lazarus and Folkman's (1984) views on stress and coping were useful in identifying the nurses' coping strategies. The study highlighted specific areas in need of intervention. Formal and informal teaching for both nurses and the patients on HIV and AIDS management needs to be introduced. Patients and families' involvement in decision making and HIV/AIDS disease management should be expanded. HIV counseling and all its components, which are pre- and post-counseling as well as on-going disease management counseling needs to be re-evaluated. There is a need to advocate for a more patient orientated counseling rather than test orientated counseling. Psychosocial support to nurses should be a priority to help them cope with their stressful AIDS caring work. Advocacy for a worker friendly Employee Assistance Program (EAP) should be encouraged by the managers of the institution. Intra-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary communication needs to be improved through innovative strategies. The address of the AI DS stigma within the healthcare system remains a priority and this aspect needs to be incorporated at different levels i.e. basic training, in counseling and within the psychosocial support efforts directed at nurses. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2009.

This study engaged in a micro-genetic analysis (Wertsch, 1984) of facilitation in participatory research (PR). The research conducted in this study explored the facilitation process of two facilitators using two participatory techniques (a 'road of life' technique and a ranking exercise) with children in a rural context. The facilitators' perceptions of facilitation and their experiences of facilitating a PR technique were examined through the use of individual interviews, and were analysed using a reading guide method (Mergendollar, 1989). Of particular concern was that in PR, there is no account of the mechanisms which bring about successful facilitation. This study exposed how some PR techniques, like the ranking exercise can simply be implemented through using a set of instructions, but other kinds of techniques such as the 'road of life' technique are inherently embedded in the principles of PR and are more difficult to implement. A lack of an understanding of the PR principles has major consequences for the implementation of PR processes, and whether or not PR processes achieve their aim i.e. critical reflection. The importance of training in PR was thus emphasised, and the importance of providing a theoretical framework of the facilitation process in PR was accentuated. / Thesis (M.Psyc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2007.

The present study aims to explore the experiences of caregivers working with children living with HIV/AIDS in the context of a children's home. While there has been research conducted on family members as well as community based caregivers of people living with HIV/AIDS, there has been a paucity of research on caregivers of children living with HIV/AIDS in Children's homes. There is a strong need to address this area of deficit in order to identify and tackle areas of difficulty as well as rewarding aspects to enhance the caregiving experience This pilot study adopted the interpretive research paradigm, is qualitative in nature and utilized in depth interviews as a means of data collection. Four women working as caregivers at the children's home were interviewed and the data obtained was analysed using thematic content analysis. The present study highlights the positive as well as the negative aspects of caregiving from the perspective of the caregivers. While caregivers identify the difficulties that they face as a result of caregiving, they also acknowledge the rewards that they attain from their line of work. Furthermore the present study emphasises the coping strategies employed by the caregivers on a personal and an organisational level as well as the resources that aid coping and the constraints against utilising the coping resources. In addition issues of attachment and detachment associated with caring for children, that are particularly pertinent to these non -familial caregivers have been explored. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2005.

Confidants' non supportive reactions to disclosure in child sexual abuse constitutes an extensive and significant problem and is associated with a variety of negative consequences: (a) Victims do not receive adequate support or intervention and are left vulnerable to further victimization, (b) non-supportive intra-familial confidants are at greater risk of having their children removed, and (c) the justice system is rendered ineffective by the associated lack of police reporting. This study examined the extent of non-supportive disclosure and the factors associated with such reactions in a sample of 856 cases of child sexual abuse (796 girls and 60 boys) reported in the North Durban policing area of KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa) in the period January 2001 to December 2003. Of the various agents identified as having provided non-supportive reactions, three categories of non-supportive confidants emerged: namely family members, professional persons, and community members in their respective order of significance. Hierarchical cluster analysis of disclosure variables identified two broad homogenous groups (clusters) of cases of non-'supportive disclosure ("Incestuous Abuse Disclosed Within the Family", and "Extra-familial Abuse Disclosed Outside of the Family"). Binary logistic regression analysis indicated that cluster membership was meaningfully predicted by the three measure of consanguinity included in the analysis, but not significantly related to other abuse related variables. Furthermore, in cases of extra-familial abuse, nonsupportive disclosure was significantly more likely when (a) victims were below the age of twelve years, (b) no violence was used by the offender, and (c) the confidant was not related to the victim. The implications of the findings for secondary prevention and for future research are discussed in detail in this article. / Thesis (M.Soc.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2005.

This study explored the social networks and social support of parents in Embo and Molweni, two villages of KwaDedangendlale outside Durban. The study is part of a larger South African project, CHAMP-SA (Collaborative HN/AIDS Adolescent Mental Health Project). CHAMP-SA is an adaptation of CHAMP which originated in the USA. CHAMP works with pre-adolescents and their families in addressing parenting issues with the aim of re-establishing the adult protective shield for these children. The current study evaluates the social network component of the pilot phase of CHAMP-SA. The first part of the current study was quantitative and employed a repeated measures quasi-experimental design intervention with both the experimental and control groups. The second, qualitative part used individual interviews to interrogate the results of the quantitative data. Content analysis was used to determine what factors impeded or enhanced the process of social networking. Bronfenbrenner's Systemic Ecological Theoretical Model was used to understand these at a personal, interpersonal and community level. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2005.

The burden of caregiving is alarmingly high in South Africa, where one in every three people admitted in hospitals, is HIV positive. A great number of AIDS patients end up being cared for at home by their families, but mostly by volunteer caregivers. The conditions in which caregivers work under, leave much to be desired, hence work related conditions are a probable cause for high stress levels among volunteer caregivers of people living with HIV/AIDS. This study sought to investigate stress factors of volunteer caregivers of people living with HIV/AIDS and the influence of social capital on high stress levels. Within a South African caregiving setting, social capital influence has not been explored. In a culture where silence and stigmatisation of people living with HIV/AIDS and caregivers is high, this study tries to locate participation of close friends and family, local organizations and government in dealing with caregiving work and support. The study was conducted in 13 semi rural communities in Durban KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. A survey was used to collect data, and analysis was conducted using quantitative methods. The sample comprised of 127 women from an organization called Community Outreach Centre. The greater (92.2%) of the total sample reported above 50% of stress levels. The findings indicated that caregiving work require urgent support from organizations and government. It was also evident that organizations within communities do not work together nor support each other in dealing with caregiving problems. Contrary to the existing literature, the results also showed that the more social capital elements such as social cohesion and social action at a bridging level increased, the more stressed volunteer caregivers became. / Thesis (M.Soc.Sci.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2010.

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a problem of increasing intensity both internationally and within the context of South Africa. While various studies have investigated the post-rape experiences of CSA survivors, few have studied these experiences from a child-centred perspective. The current study thus seeks to explore the personal views of children and their ways of seeing the world in relation to their helpful and harmful experiences in the aftermath of disclosure. The sample was taken from an NGO, located on the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal, which deals specifically with issues affecting abused children. The sample consisted of 20 child rape survivors, between the ages of 5 and 17. Qualitative interviews were conducted in isiZulu by a trained Counselling Psychologist, who served the role of both interviewer and counsellor. Interview transcripts were translated into English and analyzed thematically. Data were organized within an ecosystemic framework in an attempt to conceptualize experiences at various systemic levels. Results indicate varying helpful and harmful experiences with regard to familial, community, institutional, and broader macrosytemic levels of influence. Harmful experiences at the institutional level appeared to have to do with the lack of information shared with the children as to the nature of the proceedings, and what was expected of them, rather than with the post-rape medical examination. Reactions of significant others, in particular the primary caregiver, were found to have a significant impact upon the child’s own feelings towards the sexual abuse. Fear of revictimization, disbelief regarding the minimum punishment afforded to the perpetrator, and feelings of being tricked, deceived, and let down by the perpetrator, were other common themes within the data. / Thesis (M.Soc.Sci.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2010.