Burnout can occur in any occupation and is a risk in the modern world of work. The objective of the study was to investigate how burnout, coping and sense of coherence are related and influence each other in an engineering environment. A Cross-sectional survey design was used in this descriptive study. The convenience sample consisted of 118 engineers and scientists at various levels in a global engineering organisation that is based in South Africa. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), Coping Orientations to the Problems Experienced (COPE) and Sense of Coherence (SOC) questionnaires were administered for this quantitative study. A theoretical relationship was proved by means of a literature study and an empirical relationship proved that there is indeed a relationship between the constructs and that focus and venting of emotions as well as SOC are predictors of emotional exhaustion and cynicism. SOC also proved to be a predictor of professional efficacy. / Industrial and Organisational Psychology / M.A. (Industrial and Organisational Psychology)

Alcohol use among university students is a worldwide social and clinical reality. Understanding and addressing this phenomena is an imperative recognised by the government of South Africa and its Higher Education institutions, where student drinking has a plethora of negative consequences. This study builds on the work of Young and de Klerk (2012) with Rhodes University students by adding drinking motives to their findings of demographic correlates. The motivational model of alcohol use (Cox & Klinger, 1988) posits that drinking motives are a proximal predictor of alcohol use. The model further delineates four drinking motives (social, enhancement, coping, and conformity) which are hypothesized to lead to phenomenological distinct patterns of alcohol use. An online survey method was utilized to collect data and a representative sample of 501 students participated. Descriptive and inferential statistics were computed to address five research questions: (1) to establishing the current alcohol use trend; (2) to investigate the demographic factors associated with alcohol use; (3) to describe students‘ drinking motives; (4) to explore the correlates of drinking motives; and, finally, the primary aim was (5) to investigate whether students‘ drinking motives predicted alcohol use when controlling for the effects of descriptive drinking norms and demographic variables. The results indicate that 68.5% of participants currently consume alcohol, and 51.0 % of these drinking students consume five or more drinks during a drinking session. 20.7 % of the drinking students used alcohol at the harmful or alcohol dependent levels. Increased alcohol use was associated more with males, undergraduates, early onset drinkers, more disposable income, and students‘ perceptions of their peers‘ drinking. Students endorsed enhancement motives marginally more than social motives, followed by coping and conformity motives. Males, early onset drinkers, black students, and at risk (of alcohol use disorders) students endorsed more motives, especially social and enhancement motives. Of primary concern was the role of drinking motives on alcohol use after controlling for the effects of descriptive drinking norms. The four block hierarchical regression model which was run explained 38% of the variance in alcohol use. Drinking motives, particularly enhancement motives, displayed a statistically significant impact on alcohol use adding 11% to the variance. Additionally, age of alcohol use onset, monthly pocket money, age, and gender predicted alcohol use separately. The results of this study indicate that alcohol use has multi-factorial influences. Of note, the results confirmed the motivational model of alcohol use by indicating that alcohol use is partially motivational and that drinking behaviour is not a unitary phenomenon but instead it represents heterogeneity based on the affective change individuals anticipate to gain by drinking. The high binging rate (51%) among this sample may speak to the greater endorsement of enhancement motives, which have been shown in previous studies to be associated with heavy drinking. Enhancement motives are attempts to attain positive affect which, due to the psychoactive properties of alcohol, require greater consumption and intoxication. Additionally, as a result of the greater quantities of alcohol, individuals who drink for enhancement motives would be more prone to alcohol consequences. The results suggest that a multi-level intervention framework targeting individual students, the university community, and the surrounding community, is indicated. Furthermore, intervention may be tailored-made to address specific drinking motives.

This research was undertaken to establish the effect incarceration of individuals in the total institution called prison has on the incarcerated individuals. A literature study along with an empirical study, with 17 ex-inmates, was completed to explore the environment and circumstances of the institution called prison and the effect it has on the prisoners it incarcerates. Issues discussed include the prison environment, the prisonisation process, the inmate code and the process of incarceration. Also discussed are the presence, activities and influence of the gangs within the prison environment. It would appear that prison has a lasting effect on most prisoners and limited rehabilitative value, although there does appear to be some deterrence value. The subject begs further investigation, especially among a wider mix of inmate type, in order to deliver further recommendations to the South African Department of Correctional Services. / Social work / M.A.(Social Science)

The study investigated the lived experiences of women suffering from Multiple Sclerosis in Johannesburg and the East Rand. The study aimed at describing how these experiences affect their lives, and how these women cope after being diagnosed. A qualitative approach was utilised following an exploratory, descriptive, phenomenological, contextual research design. An in-depth literature study was conducted for information used as a basis for the study. Data collection included semi-structured interviews and a focus group. Data-analysis revealed a lack of understanding for the emotional, physical and social problems encountered. Recommendations proposed that the community be sensitised to the reality of MS and disabled persons, and that comprehensive support structures be put in place to attend to the needs of women suffering from Multiple Sclerosis. / Health Studies / M.A. (Health Studies)

Although several studies have been conducted regarding sources of stress for teachers, as well as the coping resources deployed by teachers to manage stress, no studies were found which explored these constructs for teachers within different career stages. Similarly, several studies explored the sources of stress for teachers in different South African provinces, but no studies were found which explored stress or coping resources for teachers in Gauteng. This study aims to address this identified lack in research. Teaching ranks as one of the most stressful occupations, not only internationally, but also in South Africa and therefore, stress poses a threat to the quality of education in South Africa. This threat was recognised by the Gauteng Department of Education, and as a result, the goal to increase the wellness of teachers in Gauteng was set in the Annual Performance Plan of 2012/2013; making this study not only original, but also a necessity. High school teachers (n = 193) were selected from 23 high schools in Gauteng to participate in this study. The Sources of Work Stress Inventory (SWSI), the Coping Resource Inventory (CRI) and the Adult Career Concerns Inventory (ACCI) were used to measure sources of stress, coping resources and career stages, respectively. Pearson product correlations were analysed and significant relationships were found between different sources of work stress, coping resources and career stages. / Industrial & Organisational Psychology / M.Com. (Industrial and Organisational Psychology)

This study explored both the relationship between coping resources (as measured by the Coping Resources Inventory) and psychological career resources (as measured by the Psychological Career Resources Inventory) and also whether individuals from different gender and employment status groups (part-time work experience versus no work experience) differ significantly regarding their coping resources and psychological career resources. A cross-sectional survey design and quantitative statistical procedures were used to analyse the data which was obtained from a purposive non-probability sample of N = 197 early career unemployed, black graduates. The results showed significant positive associations between psychological career resources and coping resources. It also emerged that the male and female participants differed significantly with regard to their emotional, spiritual and physical coping resources and the psychological career resources of career harmonisers and career drivers. In addition, it was found that those participants who had part-time work experience displayed a significantly higher need for career venturing and also manifested higher behavioural adaptability than those who had no work experience. Recommendations for future research and practice were made. / Industrial and Organisational Psychology / M.A. (Industrial and Organisational Psychology)

This research was undertaken to establish the effect incarceration of individuals in the total institution called prison has on the incarcerated individuals. A literature study along with an empirical study, with 17 ex-inmates, was completed to explore the environment and circumstances of the institution called prison and the effect it has on the prisoners it incarcerates. Issues discussed include the prison environment, the prisonisation process, the inmate code and the process of incarceration. Also discussed are the presence, activities and influence of the gangs within the prison environment. It would appear that prison has a lasting effect on most prisoners and limited rehabilitative value, although there does appear to be some deterrence value. The subject begs further investigation, especially among a wider mix of inmate type, in order to deliver further recommendations to the South African Department of Correctional Services. / Social work / M.A.(Social Science)

The study investigated the lived experiences of women suffering from Multiple Sclerosis in Johannesburg and the East Rand. The study aimed at describing how these experiences affect their lives, and how these women cope after being diagnosed. A qualitative approach was utilised following an exploratory, descriptive, phenomenological, contextual research design. An in-depth literature study was conducted for information used as a basis for the study. Data collection included semi-structured interviews and a focus group. Data-analysis revealed a lack of understanding for the emotional, physical and social problems encountered. Recommendations proposed that the community be sensitised to the reality of MS and disabled persons, and that comprehensive support structures be put in place to attend to the needs of women suffering from Multiple Sclerosis. / Health Studies / M.A. (Health Studies)

Although several studies have been conducted regarding sources of stress for teachers, as well as the coping resources deployed by teachers to manage stress, no studies were found which explored these constructs for teachers within different career stages. Similarly, several studies explored the sources of stress for teachers in different South African provinces, but no studies were found which explored stress or coping resources for teachers in Gauteng. This study aims to address this identified lack in research. Teaching ranks as one of the most stressful occupations, not only internationally, but also in South Africa and therefore, stress poses a threat to the quality of education in South Africa. This threat was recognised by the Gauteng Department of Education, and as a result, the goal to increase the wellness of teachers in Gauteng was set in the Annual Performance Plan of 2012/2013; making this study not only original, but also a necessity. High school teachers (n = 193) were selected from 23 high schools in Gauteng to participate in this study. The Sources of Work Stress Inventory (SWSI), the Coping Resource Inventory (CRI) and the Adult Career Concerns Inventory (ACCI) were used to measure sources of stress, coping resources and career stages, respectively. Pearson product correlations were analysed and significant relationships were found between different sources of work stress, coping resources and career stages. / Industrial and Organisational Psychology / M.Com. (Industrial and Organisational Psychology)

Bibliography: pages 227-250 / The research intended to explore the narratives of coping and resilience relating to the socio economic and emotional difficulties of a group of Zimbabwean migrants residing in Johannesburg. Through a technique of social constructionism and dialogue between the researcher and the six (6) participants, the co-construction in accordance to subject matters was used, supported by way of a qualitative research strategy and the case study method. The exploration of the themes was based on the participants’ narratives. Thereafter, the thematic analysis methodology was undertaken to analyse the data and connect it to supportive literature. The sample generated a full and rich account of the participants’ experiences and this yielded awareness of the common themes, such as the challenges and coping in trying times of migration, as well as an in-depth interpretation of their resilience. A qualitative research method was employed. Purposeful sampling was used and semi-structured in-depth personal interviews were conducted with each of the six (6) participants. Three (3) male and three (3) female Zimbabwean migrants were chosen. The case study included a description of Zimbabwean migrants’ coping and resilience with socio-economic and emotional challenges. It is anticipated that the results from this study will influence the progress of a unique review and support programme for the migrants who have endured socio-economic and emotional challenges. The results disclosed the reasons for migrating to South Africa, the challenges in the country of resettlement, socio-economic and emotional challenges, and the strategies used to cope and become resilient. Additionally, the analysis concluded that the participants in the study experienced similar narratives. The female participants left their families to seek greener pastures economically, but emotionally it affected their well-being. The Zimbabwean migrants coped with resilience utilising social networks, religion, self-regulation and mobile technology. / Psychology / D. Phil. (Psychology)