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  • About
  • The Global ETD Search service is a free service for researchers to find electronic theses and dissertations. This service is provided by the Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations.
    Our metadata is collected from universities around the world. If you manage a university/consortium/country archive and want to be added, details can be found on the NDLTD website.
11

Die invloed van diversiteit op die funksionering van skoolbeheerliggame in die Laingsburg onderwysstreek / Colin Raymond Pedro

Pedro, Colin Raymond January 2014 (has links)
Membership of school governing bodies is a new experience for many communities in South Africa, because the election system for school governing bodies was only introduced during 1997 for the purpose of a decentralised management and governing system for schools in the country. The new dispensation of democracy brought about some unique challenges, for example, how to deal with diversity effectively. In this sense, the successful management of diversity in education is viewed as one ·of the toughest challenges in the South African education system. The aforementioned challenge led to the rationale for this research, which focused on the influence of diversity on the functionality of school governing bodies and how to manage diversity in the school governing bodies from the Laingsburg education region. The strategy for the research was based on a qualitative research approach that took the form of an interactive investigation of the views and experiences of the participants in relation to the research topic. The research was further undertaken from an interpretative approach which is appropriate, because the social experiences of the participants were central to this research. Some of the most important findings were that prejudices and stereotyping with regard to diversity posed a stumbling block for the effective functioning of school governing bodies. To the contrary, it was also found that the perspective of diversity as variety, is an advantage due to the multiplicity of available talents and competencies which can be utilised to the benefit of education. Policy frameworks for the management of diversity and I appropriate communication were also part of the findings that have an influence on the functionality of school governing bodies. The recommendations included amongst other that all role players should be represented in the school governing body; training is regarded as a priority; members should be willing to accept the role of servant leadership and finally the roles of the principal and school governing body should be clarified to avoid friction and possible conflict. The value of the research is in the first place a contribution to a better understanding of the concept of diversity and it also supports the management of diversity in school governing bodies of rural areas. / MEd (Education Management), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014
12

Interrelationships between Diglyphus isaea, Phaedrotoma scabriventris and endophytic fungi in the control of Liriomyza leafminers / Komivi Senyo Akutse

Akutse, Komivi Senyo January 2013 (has links)
Horticulture is a major foreign exchange earner in Kenya and provides employment to approximately 75% of the population. However, the growth of the horticultural industry is constrained by pests such as the leafminer flies, Liriomyza sativae, L. trifolii and L. huidobrensis (Diptera: Agromyzidae). These pests do not only cause damage to crops, but are also tagged as quarantine pests, resulting in export rejections, loss of export markets and consequently loss of revenue to smallholders. The management of leafminers worldwide has commonly relied on the use of chemical insecticides, but due to associated negative effects thereof, biological control using parasitoids and entomopathogenic fungi has been proposed as major components of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. The indigenous ectoparasitoid Diglyphus isaea and exotic endoparasitoid Phaedrotoma scabriventris are the two key natural enemies being considered. A number of endophytic fungal isolates have been identified with potential for use as biological control agents of pests. Although there have been previous reports on toxicity of fungal endophytes to leafminers, no attempts have been made to exploit them for control of Liriomyza leafminers. The objectives of this study were to investigate the mechanisms by which fungal endophytes control Liriomyza spp., as well as the interactions between these endophytic fungi and the L. huidobrensis, endoparasitoid Phaedrotoma scabriventris and ectoparasitoid Diglyphus isaea. This study showed that under laboratory conditions, while used separately, parasitism rates of L. huidobrensis by D. isaea and P. scabriventris were 63.6 ± 7.7% and 30.4 ± 10.9% respectively and increased to 77.0 ± 5.3% when used simultaneously. In addition, both parasitoids induced leafminer mortality through larval-feeding and stinging. In order to identify and characterize endophytic fungi that could possibly be used for control of these pests, fungi were isolated from the aboveground parts of maize, sorghum, Napier grass, Coleopteran larvae and Busseola fusca pupae. Identified fungi were evaluated endophytically in two host plants species (Phaseolus vulgaris and Vicia faba) through seed inoculation. The fungal isolates that succeeded in colonizing the host plants were all pathogenic to L. huidobrensis, causing 100% mortality within 13.2 ± 0.7-15.0 ± 0.6 days. They were also able to reduce the longevity of the progeny, the number of pupae and adult emergence and survival. In addition, results also showed that endophytically-inoculated and L. huidobrensis-infested V. faba plants had no adverse effects on parasitism rates and life history parameters of P. scabriventris and D. isaea. Bio-prospecting for fungal endophytes in P. vulgaris and V. faba seeds, followed by morphological and molecular identification revealed the presence of various species of fungal entomopathogens, including Beauveria bassiana, Epacris microphylla, Phanerochaete chrysosporium and Metarhizium anisopliae. / PhD (Environmental Sciences), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013
13

Interrelationships between Diglyphus isaea, Phaedrotoma scabriventris and endophytic fungi in the control of Liriomyza leafminers / Komivi Senyo Akutse

Akutse, Komivi Senyo January 2013 (has links)
Horticulture is a major foreign exchange earner in Kenya and provides employment to approximately 75% of the population. However, the growth of the horticultural industry is constrained by pests such as the leafminer flies, Liriomyza sativae, L. trifolii and L. huidobrensis (Diptera: Agromyzidae). These pests do not only cause damage to crops, but are also tagged as quarantine pests, resulting in export rejections, loss of export markets and consequently loss of revenue to smallholders. The management of leafminers worldwide has commonly relied on the use of chemical insecticides, but due to associated negative effects thereof, biological control using parasitoids and entomopathogenic fungi has been proposed as major components of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. The indigenous ectoparasitoid Diglyphus isaea and exotic endoparasitoid Phaedrotoma scabriventris are the two key natural enemies being considered. A number of endophytic fungal isolates have been identified with potential for use as biological control agents of pests. Although there have been previous reports on toxicity of fungal endophytes to leafminers, no attempts have been made to exploit them for control of Liriomyza leafminers. The objectives of this study were to investigate the mechanisms by which fungal endophytes control Liriomyza spp., as well as the interactions between these endophytic fungi and the L. huidobrensis, endoparasitoid Phaedrotoma scabriventris and ectoparasitoid Diglyphus isaea. This study showed that under laboratory conditions, while used separately, parasitism rates of L. huidobrensis by D. isaea and P. scabriventris were 63.6 ± 7.7% and 30.4 ± 10.9% respectively and increased to 77.0 ± 5.3% when used simultaneously. In addition, both parasitoids induced leafminer mortality through larval-feeding and stinging. In order to identify and characterize endophytic fungi that could possibly be used for control of these pests, fungi were isolated from the aboveground parts of maize, sorghum, Napier grass, Coleopteran larvae and Busseola fusca pupae. Identified fungi were evaluated endophytically in two host plants species (Phaseolus vulgaris and Vicia faba) through seed inoculation. The fungal isolates that succeeded in colonizing the host plants were all pathogenic to L. huidobrensis, causing 100% mortality within 13.2 ± 0.7-15.0 ± 0.6 days. They were also able to reduce the longevity of the progeny, the number of pupae and adult emergence and survival. In addition, results also showed that endophytically-inoculated and L. huidobrensis-infested V. faba plants had no adverse effects on parasitism rates and life history parameters of P. scabriventris and D. isaea. Bio-prospecting for fungal endophytes in P. vulgaris and V. faba seeds, followed by morphological and molecular identification revealed the presence of various species of fungal entomopathogens, including Beauveria bassiana, Epacris microphylla, Phanerochaete chrysosporium and Metarhizium anisopliae. / PhD (Environmental Sciences), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013
14

The transition from social worker to Non–Profit Organization manager : a challenge to grow / Nel, B.S.

Nel, Benita Salomina January 2011 (has links)
Kundige bestuur is n hedendaagse begrip wat beskou word as die rede waarom sommige organisasies net funksioneer en ander uitstekend presteer. Die eise wat aan bestuurders van besighede en Nie–Winsgewende Organisasies (NWOs) se bestuursmilieu gestel word, is uiters hoog en vereis vaardigheid, kennis en ondervinding. Die bestuur van NWOs behoort goed ingelig te wees ten opsigte van die bestuursvaardighede waaroor hul eweknieë in die sakesektor beskik. Opleiding in maatskaplike werk in Suid–Afrika is goed ontwikkel en het in die afgelope 20 jaar in verskeie spesialisvelde binne die vakgebied ontvou. Maatskaplikewerk–dienslewering fasiliteer die groei en ontwikkeling van maatskaplike werkers, wat daartoe aanleiding gee dat hulle in so n mate vorder dat hulle hul kort voor lank in bestuursposisies bevind. n Wyer kennisbasis rakende bestuursdinamiek word vereis om die oorgang van maatskaplike werker na bestuurder te kan maak en sodoende doeltreffend as bestuurder te kan funksioneer. Bestuursopleiding deur maatskaplikewerk–opleidingsinstansies in Suid–Afrika bied nie tans spesifieke bestuursopleiding in die NWO–konteks aan nie. Ondersoek is deur hierdie studie ingestel om n model te ontwikkel om bogenoemde aan te spreek. Hoofstuk 1 fokus op die formulering van die navorsingsonderwerp en gee die sentrale strategiese agument en doel met doelwitte. Hoofstuk 2 beskryf die navorsingsmetodologie wat gebruik is in die studie. Hoofstuk 3 vervat n literatuurstudie wat handel oor die huidige funksionering van NWOs in Suid–Afrika. Daar word gefokus op die bestuursprosesse en rolspelers binne n NWO, die sosiale, politieke en ekonomiese faktore wat die funksionering van NWOs beïnvloed, bestuursmodelle en –teorieë, leierskap en die oorgang van maatskaplike werker na NWO–maatskaplikewerkbestuurder. Hierdie inligting bied die agtergrond waarteen die funksionering van NWO–bestuurders in Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Vrystaat en Noord–Kaap gekontekstualiseer kan word. In Hoofstuk 4 word die data wat vanuit die situasie analise met die NWO–bestuurders in Mpumalanga terugontvang is, verwerk en gerapporteer. n Profiel word verskaf ten opsigte van die NWOs in Mpumalanga asook die bestuursrolspelers en –prosesse wat geïmplementeer is. Daarna word die profiel van NWO–bestuurders in Mpumalanga voorgehou met spesifieke fokus op bestuurskennis en –vaardighede van NWO–bestuurders in Mpumalanga. Die opleidingsbehoeftes van NWO–bestuurders word opgesom en geprioritiseer. Die beskikbaarheid van bestuursopleidingsprogrammes in Suid–Afrikaanse maatskaplikewerk–opleidingsinstansies word daarna weergegee. Hoofstuk 5 gee n oorsig van die heersende situasie in Suid–Afrikaanse NWOs vanuit data wat verkry is uit fokusgroepbesprekings met maatskaplike werkers wat as NWO–bestuurders in Gauteng, Vrystaat en die Noord–Kaap werk. Klem word gelê op die fokusgroeplede se persoonlike ervarings van hul oorgang van maatskaplike werker na NWO–bestuurder binne die huidige funksionering van NWOs. Die spesifieke bestuursprosesse en rolspelers in NWOs betrokke by die fasilitering van die oorgang, soos deur NWO–bestuurders geïdentifiseer, word uitgelig. In hoofstuk 6 word n model vir die fasilitering van die oorgangsproses vir bestuurders voorgestel en met die geïdentifiseerde opleidingsbehoeftes geïntegreer. Hoofstuk 7 bestaan uit die gevolgtrekkings en samevattings wat gemaak is uit die studie. Ten slotte word aanbevelings rakende die fasilitering van die oorgangsproses van maatskaplike werkers na bestuurders van NWOs gemaak. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Social Work))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.
15

The transition from social worker to Non–Profit Organization manager : a challenge to grow / Nel, B.S.

Nel, Benita Salomina January 2011 (has links)
Kundige bestuur is n hedendaagse begrip wat beskou word as die rede waarom sommige organisasies net funksioneer en ander uitstekend presteer. Die eise wat aan bestuurders van besighede en Nie–Winsgewende Organisasies (NWOs) se bestuursmilieu gestel word, is uiters hoog en vereis vaardigheid, kennis en ondervinding. Die bestuur van NWOs behoort goed ingelig te wees ten opsigte van die bestuursvaardighede waaroor hul eweknieë in die sakesektor beskik. Opleiding in maatskaplike werk in Suid–Afrika is goed ontwikkel en het in die afgelope 20 jaar in verskeie spesialisvelde binne die vakgebied ontvou. Maatskaplikewerk–dienslewering fasiliteer die groei en ontwikkeling van maatskaplike werkers, wat daartoe aanleiding gee dat hulle in so n mate vorder dat hulle hul kort voor lank in bestuursposisies bevind. n Wyer kennisbasis rakende bestuursdinamiek word vereis om die oorgang van maatskaplike werker na bestuurder te kan maak en sodoende doeltreffend as bestuurder te kan funksioneer. Bestuursopleiding deur maatskaplikewerk–opleidingsinstansies in Suid–Afrika bied nie tans spesifieke bestuursopleiding in die NWO–konteks aan nie. Ondersoek is deur hierdie studie ingestel om n model te ontwikkel om bogenoemde aan te spreek. Hoofstuk 1 fokus op die formulering van die navorsingsonderwerp en gee die sentrale strategiese agument en doel met doelwitte. Hoofstuk 2 beskryf die navorsingsmetodologie wat gebruik is in die studie. Hoofstuk 3 vervat n literatuurstudie wat handel oor die huidige funksionering van NWOs in Suid–Afrika. Daar word gefokus op die bestuursprosesse en rolspelers binne n NWO, die sosiale, politieke en ekonomiese faktore wat die funksionering van NWOs beïnvloed, bestuursmodelle en –teorieë, leierskap en die oorgang van maatskaplike werker na NWO–maatskaplikewerkbestuurder. Hierdie inligting bied die agtergrond waarteen die funksionering van NWO–bestuurders in Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Vrystaat en Noord–Kaap gekontekstualiseer kan word. In Hoofstuk 4 word die data wat vanuit die situasie analise met die NWO–bestuurders in Mpumalanga terugontvang is, verwerk en gerapporteer. n Profiel word verskaf ten opsigte van die NWOs in Mpumalanga asook die bestuursrolspelers en –prosesse wat geïmplementeer is. Daarna word die profiel van NWO–bestuurders in Mpumalanga voorgehou met spesifieke fokus op bestuurskennis en –vaardighede van NWO–bestuurders in Mpumalanga. Die opleidingsbehoeftes van NWO–bestuurders word opgesom en geprioritiseer. Die beskikbaarheid van bestuursopleidingsprogrammes in Suid–Afrikaanse maatskaplikewerk–opleidingsinstansies word daarna weergegee. Hoofstuk 5 gee n oorsig van die heersende situasie in Suid–Afrikaanse NWOs vanuit data wat verkry is uit fokusgroepbesprekings met maatskaplike werkers wat as NWO–bestuurders in Gauteng, Vrystaat en die Noord–Kaap werk. Klem word gelê op die fokusgroeplede se persoonlike ervarings van hul oorgang van maatskaplike werker na NWO–bestuurder binne die huidige funksionering van NWOs. Die spesifieke bestuursprosesse en rolspelers in NWOs betrokke by die fasilitering van die oorgang, soos deur NWO–bestuurders geïdentifiseer, word uitgelig. In hoofstuk 6 word n model vir die fasilitering van die oorgangsproses vir bestuurders voorgestel en met die geïdentifiseerde opleidingsbehoeftes geïntegreer. Hoofstuk 7 bestaan uit die gevolgtrekkings en samevattings wat gemaak is uit die studie. Ten slotte word aanbevelings rakende die fasilitering van die oorgangsproses van maatskaplike werkers na bestuurders van NWOs gemaak. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Social Work))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.
16

Evaluation of restoration and management actions in the Molopo savanna of South Africa :|ban integrative perspective / Christiaan Johannes Harmse

Harmse, Christiaan Johannes January 2013 (has links)
The loss of ecosystem resilience and rangeland (often referred to as veld in South Africa) productivity is a major problem in the semi-arid Savanna environments of southern Africa. The over-utilization of rangelands in the Molopo region of the North- West Province in South Africa has resulted in profound habitat transformations. A common regional indicator of rangeland degradation is the imbalance in the grasswoody ratio, characterized by a loss of grass cover and density with increased shrub or tree density. This can result in major reductions of rangeland productivity for the grazing animal, forcing land users to apply active or passive restoration actions to improve rangeland condition, control the thickening of woody species (bush thickening), mitigate economic losses and restoring the aesthetical value of the Savanna environment for ecotourism and game hunting aspects. This study formed part of the multinational EU-funded PRACTICE project (“Prevention and restoration actions to combat desertification: an integrated assessment”). The first aim of the study was to evaluate locally applied restoration actions using a participatory approach, followed by interviews with certain stakeholders that formed part of a multi-stakeholder platform (MSP) related to the livestock and game farming community in the Molopo. Participants of the MSP ranked indicators according to their relative importance regarding the restoration actions on an individual basis. The individual ranking results were combined with quantitative bio-physical and qualitative socio-economic measurements for each indicator in a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA), whereby the alternative actions were ranked according to their relevancy and performance. The results were then shared with members of the MSP in order to stimulate discussion among the members and contribute to the social learning of the project outcome. The overall positive response and acceptance of results by members of the MSP changed the perceptions and objectives of the land users regarding rangeland management. This type of participatory assessment was therefore found to be very promising in helping to identify more sustainable actions to mitigate rangeland degradation in the Molopo Savanna region. There is, however, still an urgent need to create legal policy frameworks and institution-building, to support local-level implementation in all socio-ecological and economic settings, particularly in communal areas. The second aim was to evaluate the effect of two chemical bush control actions (chemical hand- (HC) and aeroplane control (AC)) as well as rotational grazing (RGM) on the Molopo Savanna vegetation. Results show that rangeland productivity, i.e. forage production and grazing capacity, was found to be negatively related to the woody phytomass in the savanna system studied. Bush thickening influenced grass species composition which was commonly associated with a decline in the abundance of sub-climax to climax grasses, respectively. All three actions (HC, AC & RGM) significantly reduced the woody phytomass and increased forage production and grazing capacity. Although AC resulted in the highest reduction of woody phytomass, the highest forage production and grazing capacity was found under RGM. The second highest grazing capacity was found in HC sites, which was due to a high abundance of perennial, palatable climax grass species. Results from this study also show that the patterns and compositions of grass species, grass functional groups (GFGs) and woody densities indicated by RGM and chemical HC, best resemble a productive and stable savanna system that provides important key resources to support both grazing and browsing herbivores. / MSc (Environmental Sciences), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014
17

A management model to facilitate external stakeholder participation in school governance / Geetha Devi Deenanath

Deenanath, Geetha Devi January 2013 (has links)
SASA (SA, 1996) caters for the participation of a wide range of stakeholders who have an interest in education. In terms of section 23 of SASA (SA, 1996) the membership of the School Governing Body (SGB) consists of representatives of parents, educators, learners, support staff and the principal as ex-officio member. Section 23 (6) of SASA (SA, 1996) states that SGBs may co-opt a member or members of the community to assist in discharging its duties. This implies that participation in school governance is extended to members of the community, who are referred to as external stakeholders in this study. Therefore the aim of this research study was to investigate the extent to which these external stakeholders participated in the activities of school governance. The research made use of a qualitative research design to determine the extent of participation by external stakeholders in school governance. The findings revealed a lack of participation by external stakeholders in activities of school governance. The study further highlighted some of the challenges that hindered participation by external stakeholders such as transport problems which resulted in non-attendance of meetings, poor communication of information, lack of trainings resulted in lack of knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of SGBs, language barrier, lack of time and lack of confidence from some stakeholders. A model is thus proposed as a solution to involve external stakeholders to participate in the activities of school governance. This model would assist SGBs to involve external stakeholders in school governance. / Thesis (PhD (Education Management))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013
18

Evaluation of restoration and management actions in the Molopo savanna of South Africa :|ban integrative perspective / Christiaan Johannes Harmse

Harmse, Christiaan Johannes January 2013 (has links)
The loss of ecosystem resilience and rangeland (often referred to as veld in South Africa) productivity is a major problem in the semi-arid Savanna environments of southern Africa. The over-utilization of rangelands in the Molopo region of the North- West Province in South Africa has resulted in profound habitat transformations. A common regional indicator of rangeland degradation is the imbalance in the grasswoody ratio, characterized by a loss of grass cover and density with increased shrub or tree density. This can result in major reductions of rangeland productivity for the grazing animal, forcing land users to apply active or passive restoration actions to improve rangeland condition, control the thickening of woody species (bush thickening), mitigate economic losses and restoring the aesthetical value of the Savanna environment for ecotourism and game hunting aspects. This study formed part of the multinational EU-funded PRACTICE project (“Prevention and restoration actions to combat desertification: an integrated assessment”). The first aim of the study was to evaluate locally applied restoration actions using a participatory approach, followed by interviews with certain stakeholders that formed part of a multi-stakeholder platform (MSP) related to the livestock and game farming community in the Molopo. Participants of the MSP ranked indicators according to their relative importance regarding the restoration actions on an individual basis. The individual ranking results were combined with quantitative bio-physical and qualitative socio-economic measurements for each indicator in a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA), whereby the alternative actions were ranked according to their relevancy and performance. The results were then shared with members of the MSP in order to stimulate discussion among the members and contribute to the social learning of the project outcome. The overall positive response and acceptance of results by members of the MSP changed the perceptions and objectives of the land users regarding rangeland management. This type of participatory assessment was therefore found to be very promising in helping to identify more sustainable actions to mitigate rangeland degradation in the Molopo Savanna region. There is, however, still an urgent need to create legal policy frameworks and institution-building, to support local-level implementation in all socio-ecological and economic settings, particularly in communal areas. The second aim was to evaluate the effect of two chemical bush control actions (chemical hand- (HC) and aeroplane control (AC)) as well as rotational grazing (RGM) on the Molopo Savanna vegetation. Results show that rangeland productivity, i.e. forage production and grazing capacity, was found to be negatively related to the woody phytomass in the savanna system studied. Bush thickening influenced grass species composition which was commonly associated with a decline in the abundance of sub-climax to climax grasses, respectively. All three actions (HC, AC & RGM) significantly reduced the woody phytomass and increased forage production and grazing capacity. Although AC resulted in the highest reduction of woody phytomass, the highest forage production and grazing capacity was found under RGM. The second highest grazing capacity was found in HC sites, which was due to a high abundance of perennial, palatable climax grass species. Results from this study also show that the patterns and compositions of grass species, grass functional groups (GFGs) and woody densities indicated by RGM and chemical HC, best resemble a productive and stable savanna system that provides important key resources to support both grazing and browsing herbivores. / MSc (Environmental Sciences), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014
19

A management model to facilitate external stakeholder participation in school governance / Geetha Devi Deenanath

Deenanath, Geetha Devi January 2013 (has links)
SASA (SA, 1996) caters for the participation of a wide range of stakeholders who have an interest in education. In terms of section 23 of SASA (SA, 1996) the membership of the School Governing Body (SGB) consists of representatives of parents, educators, learners, support staff and the principal as ex-officio member. Section 23 (6) of SASA (SA, 1996) states that SGBs may co-opt a member or members of the community to assist in discharging its duties. This implies that participation in school governance is extended to members of the community, who are referred to as external stakeholders in this study. Therefore the aim of this research study was to investigate the extent to which these external stakeholders participated in the activities of school governance. The research made use of a qualitative research design to determine the extent of participation by external stakeholders in school governance. The findings revealed a lack of participation by external stakeholders in activities of school governance. The study further highlighted some of the challenges that hindered participation by external stakeholders such as transport problems which resulted in non-attendance of meetings, poor communication of information, lack of trainings resulted in lack of knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of SGBs, language barrier, lack of time and lack of confidence from some stakeholders. A model is thus proposed as a solution to involve external stakeholders to participate in the activities of school governance. This model would assist SGBs to involve external stakeholders in school governance. / Thesis (PhD (Education Management))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013
20

The relationship between coping strategies and depression in an African context / Anneke Cronje

Cronje, Anneke January 2011 (has links)
Depression is a psychiatric disorder associated with severe impairment in physical, social and role functioning, and with higher health care utilization. Experiencing an event that causes physical or psychological stress may substantially increase a person's chances of developing depression. Coping has been defined as a response aimed at diminishing the physical, emotional and psychological burden that is associated with stressful life events. Coping is considered one of the core concepts in health psychology and is strongly associated with the regulation of emotions throughout the stress period and thus it is important that it is understood, especially in the South African context of future morbidity. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a relationship between coping self–efficacy strategies and depression in an African context. Participants consisted of a convenience sample of 2 198 participants from both rural and urban areas. The rural group consisted of 182 adolescent Further Education and Training (FET) students between the ages of 16 and 21 years, and the urban group consisted of another 2 016 adolescent FET students between the ages of 16 and 21 years. Participants from both groups completed measurements on coping and depression. Two self–report measures were used: the Coping Self–Efficacy Scale (CSE) to determine a person's confidence or perceived self–efficacy in performing coping behaviors when facing life challenges or threats and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ9) to measure depression severity. Descriptive analysis results indicated that a relationship existed between coping selfefficacy strategies and depression and that levels of depression were very similar for both rural (9.23) and urban (9.25) groups. Coping strategies were very different in rural and urban areas; rural participants only used problem–focused coping and stop unpleasant thoughts and emotions, while urban participants used all three coping self–efficacy strategies: problemfocused coping, stopping unpleasant thoughts and emotions and support from friends and family. Rural participants did not use support from friends and family as a coping selfefficacy strategy; possibly due to the different relationships people living in rural areas have with one another, as opposed to the relationships of people living in urban areas. Rural people may not deem it socially acceptable to ask friends or family members or help when struggling with various stressors. Alternatively, rural areas may be more depleted of personal resources due to the strong urbanization process going on. It was concluded that there is an important relationship between coping strategies and level of depression, and in this study this relationship was found to be different in some ways for rural and urban groups. The results of this study have great implications for further research and clinical practice. / Thesis (M.A. (Research Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

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