Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 2008.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2001. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 296-314).

No description available.

This study focused on the psychosocial effects and coping mechanisms of black widows in the Mafikeng area following the death of their spouses. A descriptive research design was used in collecting data. A sample of forty-eight black widows aged between twenty-five and seventy years was randomly selected for the purpose of this study. A questionnaire was administered to the sample. This questionnaire contained both open-ended and close-ended questions. Beck's Depression Inventory was also used in the collection of data to assess the level of depression if any. A descriptive statistical analysis of data was used to analyse the collected data. The findings indicated that most black widows experience psychological problems such as loneliness and depression due to withdrawal. There was also an indication that most black widows experienced social problems like being discriminated against and rejection by friends, relatives as well as neighbours due to the stigma associated with widowhood. However, there is an indication that some black widows do experience a positive perception from their employers and have a positive relationship with their in-laws. This study also confirmed that some black widows use inappropriate coping mechanisms such as withdrawal from the societal activities in fear of humiliation in dealing with their widowhood. Some resort to religion as another way of coping with their loss. The majority of older widows considered remarriage as a poor option while younger widows considered remarriage as viable. The grip on widows by traditional rituals is also diminishing especially among young, successful and educated widows. Having undertaken this study the implication is that black widows are mainly stigmatized in the society in which they live. They are even humiliated through restrictions that are put before them. For instance, performance of rituals and customs. Some of those who are employed experience a negative perception from both their employers and their colleagues because of the stigma. However. there still some black widows who still enjoy the moral support of their in-laws, employers and also that of their colleagues. / M.A. (Clinical Psychology) North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2005

Thesis--University of Florida. / Description based on print version record. Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 112-118).

My focus on this research is based on the Black African widows who find difficulties, in action and rejection from the Church after the death of their partners. I am aware that the subject had been dealt with in the past by the late Rev T.B.S.Mnisi and expresses her point of departure from the woman perspective. I’m coming from the background where these practices have affected me and challenged my ministry As an African minister experiences had clouded our behavior and judgment especially to issues that are violent, abusive and harmful to women. I’m fully aware that being a product of patriarchal structure raises eyebrows, but it will help others to take care of widows in such a way that they are included in the community. The way the widows are treated from the church, raises questions that challenges the Pastoral care. The challenges lie on whether the cloth causes people to be stigmatized and isolated. Therefore the findings of the research will enable the church and Pastoral caregivers to undo the wrongs that were done in the past and continue in the present. The author will use Sesotho influence to help in the method of doing Pastoral care in the Swazi context. Copyright / Dissertation (MA(Theol))--University of Pretoria, 2009. / Practical Theology / unrestricted

No description available.

Widowhood is an inevitable phase of the life cycle for three out of every four married women. It is apparent by the lack of research about widowhood that it has been neglected as a developmental phase in the life cycle. Presently there are ten million widows in this country and their numbers are increasing each year. It is appalling that with a population this large, little attention has been directed towards research about widowhood. Other than recognizing that the widow may have financial problems for which Social Security provides assistance, few people realize what it means to be widowed. For these reasons, we decided to study the problems of widowhood. The purpose of this study is to examine the problems involved in widowhood and what might be helpful in dealing with them. In addition, another goal of this study is to increase public awareness about the plight of the widow.

No description available.

published_or_final_version / Social Work / Master / Master of Social Work