This study examined the contribution of several variables to the prediction of perceived freedom in leisure (PFL) and life satisfaction in older adults. Demographic, health and socioeconomic variables were compared with participation in recreation programs, church involvement and PFL. Church involvement was viewed as a leisure activity rather than a measure of religiosity. The survey instrument incorporated all these variables and was pretested and revised before use in the study. The sample consisted of 198 persons 60 years of age and older who were members of two Southern Baptist churches. Subjects were randomly selected, but persons considered by church staff members to be incapable of completing the survey were eliminated. Surveys were hand delivered and picked up by volunteer workers, and a 38 percent return rate was obtained. Alpha reliability for the church involvement, PFL and life satisfaction scales in the instrument were .87, .94, and .77, respectively. Frequency counts and percentages or means and standard deviations were calculated for the demographic variables. Subjects were categorized by level of involvement in church and community recreation programs. Persons involved in community but not church recreation programs were underrepresented in the sample. A selective sampling procedure was utilized to obtain more respondents in this category, but the data from these individuals were analyzed separately. Stepwise multiple regression analyses were utilized to ascertain the impact of different variables upon PFL and life satisfaction. Three predictors of PFL emerged— participation in recreation programs, church involvement and satisfaction with health. Correlations between these variables and life satisfaction were consistent with the findings in the literature. Inclusion of church involvement, participation in recreation programs and, for the life satisfaction analysis, PFL raised the percentage of variance explained. Thus, greater predictive power emerged using these variables than when only demographic, health and socioeconomic variables were included.

Text in Afrikaans / The central focus of this study is the church involvement of young adult members. Following an introductory chapter in which the research methodology and modus operandi are being explained, a discussion, in the light of recent literature, is devoted to young adults as a unique generation of our time, shaped within a particular social context; their specific characteristics and spiritual needs; and possible reasons for their very slight involvement with the church (chapter 2). In chapter 3, the empirical survey, conducted by means of questionnaires and structured interviews within the Uniting Reformed Church's Circuit of Wellington, is described and the results interpreted. In chapter 4, certain conclusions are drawn. The indication from the literature reviewed, that young adults are mainly uninvolved with the church, was empirically confirmed. Finally, recommendations are made and guidelines given, aimed at a more effective ministry to the young adult member of the church. / Religious Studies & Arabic / M. Diac. (Youth Work)

This study is based on a need for community involvement in farm schools to enhance effective teaching and efficient learning. The rationale behind it was to determine the current state of community involvement in farm schools in the Pietermaritzburg area, with a view to determining the extent to which the current community i nvolvement, namely, the active participation of parents, teachers, the farmer, the church, the state and the private sector could be extended on a large scale. The study revealed that the community involvement dimension of schooling is central to the teaching profession. If neglected, no effective teaching and efficient learning can materialise. The role of the farm school principal in the realisation of this goal is indispensable. The empirical survey and literature revealed that farm school principals can address the serious shortcoming concerning the participation of community members in the affairs of farm schools. / Educational Studies / M. Ed. (Comparative Education)

Text in Afrikaans / The central focus of this study is the church involvement of young adult members. Following an introductory chapter in which the research methodology and modus operandi are being explained, a discussion, in the light of recent literature, is devoted to young adults as a unique generation of our time, shaped within a particular social context; their specific characteristics and spiritual needs; and possible reasons for their very slight involvement with the church (chapter 2). In chapter 3, the empirical survey, conducted by means of questionnaires and structured interviews within the Uniting Reformed Church's Circuit of Wellington, is described and the results interpreted. In chapter 4, certain conclusions are drawn. The indication from the literature reviewed, that young adults are mainly uninvolved with the church, was empirically confirmed. Finally, recommendations are made and guidelines given, aimed at a more effective ministry to the young adult member of the church. / Religious Studies and Arabic / M. Diac. (Youth Work)

This study is based on a need for community involvement in farm schools to enhance effective teaching and efficient learning. The rationale behind it was to determine the current state of community involvement in farm schools in the Pietermaritzburg area, with a view to determining the extent to which the current community i nvolvement, namely, the active participation of parents, teachers, the farmer, the church, the state and the private sector could be extended on a large scale. The study revealed that the community involvement dimension of schooling is central to the teaching profession. If neglected, no effective teaching and efficient learning can materialise. The role of the farm school principal in the realisation of this goal is indispensable. The empirical survey and literature revealed that farm school principals can address the serious shortcoming concerning the participation of community members in the affairs of farm schools. / Educational Studies / M. Ed. (Comparative Education)