Typescript (photocopy) / viii, 310 leaves ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / Thesis (Ph.D.) Dept. of Psychology, University of Adelaide, 1981

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the G.O.A.L.S. program on locus of control and self-esteem among unemployed adults. Subjects, consisting of 61 unemployed adults, were pre-tested and exposed to a three-day program and post-tested. The major impetus of the G.O.A.L.S. program was based on Rational-emotive theory. A t test analysis found a significant difference between pretest and post-test for the group on measures of self-esteem and locus of control. It was concluded that the G.O.A.L.S. program did affect locus of control and self-esteem for this particular investigation. It was recommended that future research investigate both self-esteem and locus of control with a six-week follow-up post test.

In South Africa, the erosion of jobs in the formal economy, the increased role played by the informal economy in people's survival and the high unemployment rate are the main causes of chronic poverty. Between 40% and 50% of the South African population is considered as poor and 25% categorised as ultra-poor. As Von Holdt and Webster wrote (2005:31), "the restructuring of work has a destructive impact on society and social cohesion". This research is interested in finding what the consequences of unemployment on the construction of black men's identities are. The construction of African masculinity was shaped throughout the 20th century by the economic and social policies of the colonial and apartheid regimes. New types of masculinities emerged related to the capacity of African men to earn a salary through employment and provide for their families. This research looks at masculinities in times of economic hardship: how are African men constructing their masculine identities when work has historically been a defining variable of their manhood and that they are now deprived from employment? Do men still abide to the hegemonic norm that they are supposed to provide financially for their families or do they reject this patriarchal model and assert their masculinity differently? This research has found that unemployment and deteriorating working conditions have distressing consequences on men. Some pal1icipants expressed their need for political and economic freedom but abide to the nomlS of patriarchal masculinity and are therefore ashamed of their unemployed situation. Their obedience to this system oppresses them as they cannot provide for their families. They do not allow themselves to talk about their pain. They show self-hatred, lack of confidence, fear and uncertainty. Patriarchal masculinity marginalises them further. On the contrary, participants who have rejected the norms of capitalist patriarchy have a healthier sense of family and community. Although unemployed and unable to provide for their families, those men have refuted the hegemonic norms of masculinity and asserted their manhood positively. They are involved fathers and partners. They share responsibilities and decision-making power within their households. They are not depressed and anxious. Self-actualisation, love and ubuntu are the pillars unemployed men need to work with in order to overcome capitalist patriarchy and reconstruct masculinity. Reconstructing masculinity would not only benefit men but is also a necessity for gender equality. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2008.

A study was conducted to examine the effects of unemployment on the couple relationship, including each spouse's perception of self, other and the family environment during the period of unemployment. Fourteen couples were interviewed. Following the interview, the Dyadic Adjustment Scale(DAS), (Spanier, 1976) and the Family Environment Scale FES, (Moos & Moos, 1976) were administered. DAS results for the couples interviewed in this study suggest very little perceived difference in the marital relationship pre and post unemployment. As a group, the sample studied fell within the normal range of adjustment suggested by Spanier. Only two couples fell below one standard deviation of Spanier's mean for married couples. FES results for the couples interviewed were, on the whole, high in the areas of expressiveness, independence, achievement orientation, active-recreational orientation, moral-religious emphasis and conflict. These results suggest that, as a group, the couples interviewed were able to cope with higher than normal levels of conflict through a high level of cohesion and expressiveness along with an emphasis on personal growth. During the period of unemployment, changes in events or behavior that were self generated tended to have a positive effect on individuals. Changes which occurred outside of their control tended to have a negative effect on individuals and couples. Effective coping strategies clustered around increased involvement in parenting, attending support groups and personal growth workshops, relying on friends and exploring alternative, self-employment possibilities. The wives of the unemployed tended to cope with unemployment of their spouse by being supportive and encouraging. These results may help other individuals and couples find effective ways of coping with unemployment. These results may also aid counsellors in understanding how couples cope with unemployment and lead to more effective interventions for this population. / Education, Faculty of / Educational and Counselling Psychology, and Special Education (ECPS), Department of / Graduate