M.A. (Counseling psychology) / The primary objective of this research was to combat and where possible obviate depression amongst young adult females by means of a psycho-educational program developed by the researcher. A secondary objective of the study was to develop a behaviour evaluation questionnaire intended to evaluate perceivable depressive behaviour. In this research a pretest-posttest research design was employed. The sample comprised 50 first year matriculated female students who entered for a youth worker course of the Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa for 1990. The 50 women were allocated to five groups of 10 each from which three experimental and two control groups were randomly selected. It was anticipated that the psycho-educational program would bring about a statistical significant improvement in the mood and self concept of the experimental group. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and "Ridgard-gedragsevalueringsvraelys" (RGV), the latter completed by a supervisor, were utilized to determine depression amongst the students. The "Adolessente Selfkonsepskaal" (ASKS) of Vrey was also used to evaluate self concept in the groups.

Thesis (Ph.D. (Psychology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2021 / Persons living with intellectual disabilities (ID) at times display behaviours that are a challenge for healthcare professionals, parents and teachers. These challenging behaviours are often presented in health-care, educational, or social care services by individuals with intellectual disabilities. However, what could be explained as challenging may be understood differently through cultures, beliefs or surroundings. The aim of the study was to conceptualise and develop an explanatory model for challenging behaviour in persons with intellectual disabilities. The study comprised twenty (23) participants who were parents and teachers of persons with intellectual disability. The target population of the study live in Ga-Dikgale and Ga-Molepo villages that are located in the Capricorn District, Limpopo Province. These villages were chosen because they have special schools for children with ID. A semi-structured, in-depth, one-on-one interview was used to collect data. The data was analysed using thematic content analysis (TCA). Three superordinate themes emerged that covered the understanding of challenging behaviour from the participants. These themes were: (a) knowledge about challenging behaviour; (b) beliefs about causal explanations of challenging behaviour; and, (c) coping with challenging behaviour. The results revealed that participants held varied beliefs regarding causal explanations of challenging behaviour. Cultural background of the participant seemed to play a critical role in shaping these beliefs. Additionally, three modes of coping were used by the participants in the study to cope with challenging behaviour. These are: cultural/traditional coping; religious coping; and, family and professional support methods. A Bio-Psycho-Socio-Cultural Model (BPS-C) was subsequently developed to explain challenging behaviour of persons with intellectual disability. This model integrates components of the Bio-Psycho-Social model (biological characteristics, behavioural factors, and social condition such as social support and family relationships) and cultural aspects to conceptualise challenging behaviour as understood and explained by parents and teachers of persons with intellectual disability. / NIHSS and SAHUDA

For decades there has been growing interest into the crime of child murders. Emphasis was placed on victims and those at risk. Not much focus was placed on perpetrators and their families. Evidence suggests that the family and social systems play a vital role in determining adult violent behaviour. This qualitative study aims to explore the experiences of convicted child murderers in their family and social system. Data was collected and analysed, using genogram interviews and analysis. Themes were highlighted using hermeneutic thematic analysis, within a post-modern paradigm. Results were presented in the form of genogram analysis and thematic content analysis. Prominent themes that arose were separation, rejection, abuse, neglect and substance abuse. These life experiences together with poor education are some of the characteristics that may have contributed to the child murderers actions towards children. / Psychology / M. A. (Clinical Psychology)

For decades there has been growing interest into the crime of child murders. Emphasis was placed on victims and those at risk. Not much focus was placed on perpetrators and their families. Evidence suggests that the family and social systems play a vital role in determining adult violent behaviour. This qualitative study aims to explore the experiences of convicted child murderers in their family and social system. Data was collected and analysed, using genogram interviews and analysis. Themes were highlighted using hermeneutic thematic analysis, within a post-modern paradigm. Results were presented in the form of genogram analysis and thematic content analysis. Prominent themes that arose were separation, rejection, abuse, neglect and substance abuse. These life experiences together with poor education are some of the characteristics that may have contributed to the child murderers actions towards children. / Psychology / M. A. (Clinical Psychology)

The purpose of the study was to explore the understanding and implementation of the guidelines by nurses to detect mental disorders in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) management in the Limpopo Province, South Africa. The study aimed to recommend measures to strengthen implementation practices. Qualitative, exploratory and descriptive approach was conducted. Non-probability purposive sampling was used to select primary health professional nurses trained in HIV programme at primary health care facilities in Capricorn District. Data were collected through focus groups and in-depth individual interviews approach using the interview guide. The interviews started with focus group discussions as primary method and in-depth individual interviews as follow-up. Interviews were tape recorded and transcribed. Data were analysed using Creswell’s data analysis steps. Four themes emerged from data: understanding of HIV management guidelines; implementation of the guidelines; strengthening of mental health screening and competencies required for mental health screening. The study revealed that the nurses who did not have psychiatric nursing as an additional qualification lacked confidence and skills to conduct mental health screening in HIV positive infected individuals. However, they used their background nursing knowledge to manage clients. They all experienced challenges with information provided in the guidelines to screen for mental health in HIV management. Based on the results of this study, it was recommended that there should be integration of mental health and HIV and development of practical assessment tools for mental health screening. The study acknowledges the importance of equipping nurses with adequate skills to diagnose altered mental health states among HIV infected individuals. / Health Studies / M.A. (Nursing Science)