Qualitative interviews of college students with disabilities indicated that students were reporting significant discrimination and disability stigma effects. Until recently, however, no formal instruments had been developed specifically to measure disability stigma in college students. The purpose of this study was to develop the Postsecondary Student Survey of Disability-Related Stigma (SSDRS), a Likert-type scale that measured amount of perceived stigma in college students with disabilities. The SSDRS was patterned after similar instruments developed to measure race-related stigma and other forms of perceived social discrimination, and was designed to be administered through disability support service offices. The SSDRS consisted of five subscales: personal feelings, global events, academics, group identity, and personal relationships. The questionnaire was pilot tested at two schools, a small, private liberal arts college and a medium-sized, urban community college (n=85). A preliminary exploratory factor analysis and reliability analysis suggested minor changes to the instrument. The pilot results also provided justification for further sampling and more formal analysis of the instrument with a larger data set. The scale was then administered to students with disabilities at a large urban research university. The results were similar to those from the pilot.After aggregating the data (N = 121), another exploratory factor analysis was conducted to identify the underlying structures measured by the instrument. The five subscales suggested by the literature were confirmed, and subscale reliability of scores improved. Analysis of the aggregate data also suggested the removal of several items that did not appear to function well in the instrument.The results of the study suggested that disability stigma is a significant issue for college students with disabilities. Disability support personnel at the postsecondary level could use an instrument like the SSDRS for benchmarking, analyzing the disability climate on campus, or designing specific student interventions. The results also suggested that the phenomenon of disability stigma is measurable, and worthy of future study.

There is a national, state and local concern that focuses upon the rapid growth of our elder population as well as those within the cohort that suffer with mental illness. However, other than the numerous Alzheimer’s related headlines, there is little national or state consideration being given to non-dementia-related elder mental illnesses. The lack of existing mental health service programs to assist the elderly community merits attention. The Constructionist paradigm was the basis for this study, due to its reliance upon recognized leaders in the field engaging in an interactive group process. These leaders included politicians, governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, and other community leaders. Outcomes from this study produced five action oriented initiatives: Leadership, Funding Campaign, Elder Sensitivity Campaign, Enhancement of Existing Programs, and New Program Expansion. These initiatives, if implemented, could drive change and positively affect the elderly population with mental illness within this central California county research site.

The purpose of this study was to describe and interpret young adult ESL (English as a Second Language) students‘ participation in discussions of literature in a high-intermediate level reading classroom at a university-affiliated ELP (English Learning Program) program. Additionally, this study explored the nature and characteristics of talk generated by ESL students within the context of literature discussions. Naturalistic methods of data collection were employed in keeping with the constructivist paradigm, including classroom observations, audio and video recordings, transcripts of audio and video recordings, field notes, interviews with the teacher and students, teacher resources, and student artifacts. This naturalistic inquiry drew from qualitative traditions in its design, and the study was further guided by grounded theory (Glaser & Strauss, 1967) and discourse analysis. The study findings indicated that literature discussions were structured by six stages: (1) reading at home, (2) setting up and review, (3) students redefining the tasks, vii (4) students doing the tasks, (5) sharing with the class, and (6) taking in-class quizzes. Analysis revealed that these sequenced stages that allowed for a shifting of roles and positions between the teacher and students and among students enabled students to have regular and extended opportunities for talk and interaction. The findings of the study demonstrated that the student-to-student exchanges featured more discursive talk as the students were encouraged to construct meanings collaboratively and to engage in interactive discourse with one another. The implications of these findings in terms of teaching as mediation and the nature of talk in ESL classrooms are discussed. / text

Despite the wide spread use of psychological instruments in the forensic context, there is a dearth of research on the purposes for using it. A qualitative case study approach was adopted in this study to explore the purposes for which industrial psychologists use psychological instruments in loss of income claims. The research study comprised of two phases. Firstly, a literature review was used to provide some background on psychological assessment in the forensic context. The literature review described the historical development of forensic psychology, what psychological instruments are and how they are used in the forensic context. The forensic context, in which industrial psychologists operate, was also described. Furthermore, the initial conceptual framework to outline the context of the next phase of the research was illustrated. The second phase was an exploratory study that made use of a multiple-case study approach. The main research aim was to explore the purposes for using psychological instruments in loss of income claims by industrial psychologists. Another aim was to explore the psychological instruments used. The final aim was to explore the kind of information that is needed in the forensic context, which is not currently available by means of existing psychological assessment. Case study data was collected by conducting semi-structured interviews with four industrial psychologists. Each interview represented a case to be analysed. The multiple-case study data gathered were then analysed using coding, within-case analysis and across-case analysis. The findings indicate that psychological instruments are used for the following purposes: (1) to add value to the quantification of a loss of income claim; and (2) to provide information that is required on the specific situation and circumstances surrounding the claim. Furthermore, the research findings also revealed that the purpose of using a psychological instrument to add value is influenced by internal factors of the psychological instrument as well as situational characteristics of the legal matter at hand. Through the exploration of the purposes for using psychological instruments, specific instruments used could be identified. Another finding included the existence of a perception that the psychological instruments currently available in South Africa are inadequate to provide the information required in the forensic context. The findings also revealed the kind of information that is needed.Recommendations were made for future research and industry-related practices. / Industrial and Organisational Psychology / M.Comm. (Industrial and Organisational Psychology)

Despite the wide spread use of psychological instruments in the forensic context, there is a dearth of research on the purposes for using it. A qualitative case study approach was adopted in this study to explore the purposes for which industrial psychologists use psychological instruments in loss of income claims. The research study comprised of two phases. Firstly, a literature review was used to provide some background on psychological assessment in the forensic context. The literature review described the historical development of forensic psychology, what psychological instruments are and how they are used in the forensic context. The forensic context, in which industrial psychologists operate, was also described. Furthermore, the initial conceptual framework to outline the context of the next phase of the research was illustrated. The second phase was an exploratory study that made use of a multiple-case study approach. The main research aim was to explore the purposes for using psychological instruments in loss of income claims by industrial psychologists. Another aim was to explore the psychological instruments used. The final aim was to explore the kind of information that is needed in the forensic context, which is not currently available by means of existing psychological assessment. Case study data was collected by conducting semi-structured interviews with four industrial psychologists. Each interview represented a case to be analysed. The multiple-case study data gathered were then analysed using coding, within-case analysis and across-case analysis. The findings indicate that psychological instruments are used for the following purposes: (1) to add value to the quantification of a loss of income claim; and (2) to provide information that is required on the specific situation and circumstances surrounding the claim. Furthermore, the research findings also revealed that the purpose of using a psychological instrument to add value is influenced by internal factors of the psychological instrument as well as situational characteristics of the legal matter at hand. Through the exploration of the purposes for using psychological instruments, specific instruments used could be identified. Another finding included the existence of a perception that the psychological instruments currently available in South Africa are inadequate to provide the information required in the forensic context. The findings also revealed the kind of information that is needed.Recommendations were made for future research and industry-related practices. / Industrial and Organisational Psychology / M.Comm. (Industrial and Organisational Psychology)

This qualitative study explores daily environmental sustainable attitudes and behaviours of Gauteng’s urban youth. A social constructivist paradigm underlines the views, challenges and activities expressed. The Reasonable Person Model (RPM) and Social Networking Theory ensure that the content, as well as methodological elements and results herein adhere to a psychological framework. Focus groups and online interviews were utilised to explore the link between community well-being and the state of the natural environment and the sample was drawn using purposive and snowball sampling. The literature reviewed focuses on existing climate change concerns, pro-environmental attitudes and behaviours, and emerging local and international practices, including the importance of expanding local practices. A thematic analysis, ensured for a broad variety of responses, and hence detailed discussion -of and dissemination of results. Using common threads in the results, recommendations and suggestions were made, to improve future studies and research practices concerning Environmental Responsible Behaviours (ERBs).

Introduction : Les personnes ayant eu un accident vasculaire cérébral léger (AVCL) sont autonomes pour l’accomplissement des activités de la vie quotidienne de base, mais peuvent présenter des déficits subtils pour l’accomplissement d’activités complexes qui ne sont pas dépistés durant l’hospitalisation. Le retour à domicile parmi les proches est souvent le moment où certaines difficultés apparaissent. L’objectif de cette étude est d’explorer la perception des proches de leur qualité de vie, trois mois après le retour à domicile de la personne ayant eu l’AVCL. Méthodologie : Cette étude qualitative repose sur un paradigme constructiviste. Des entrevues individuelles semi-dirigées ont été menées à l’aide d’un guide d’entrevue, auprès de proches de personnes ayant eu un premier AVCL trois mois auparavant. Une transcription du contenu des entrevues a été faite sous forme de verbatim, suivie d’une analyse de contenu. Résultats : Huit entrevues ont été complétées (âge moyen 56,9 ans – ratio hommes/femmes de 2/6). Six thèmes ont été identifiés : personne ayant eu l’AVCL, vie quotidienne, relation conjugale, récidive, santé et services. L’AVCL engendre plusieurs incapacités (personne ayant eu l’AVCL) et les proches interrogés rapportent une augmentation de leurs tâches quotidiennes ce qui limite leurs activités personnelles (vie quotidienne). Ils mentionnent également devoir passer du rôle de conjoint à celui de parent, ce qui modifie la dynamique de couple (relation conjugale). Les proches se disent anxieux face au risque de récidive (récidive) et certains présentent des malaises physiques comme des maux de tête et un manque d’énergie (santé). Les proches affirment n’avoir accès à aucun service et que le seul soutien dont ils bénéficie est celui de leur entourage (services). Conclusion : Le retour à domicile de la personne AVCL engendre diverses conséquences sur le quotidien des proches, ce qui affecte leur qualité de vie. / Introduction: Mild stroke clients are often independent in basic activities of daily living but may present subtle deficits that impact on complex activities and roles. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceived quality of life of close family members three months after the stroke client was discharged home. Method: Qualitative design based on a constructivist paradigm. Interviews were conducted with family members of mild stroke clients three months after discharge. An interview guide was used and the audio content was transcribed, followed by a content analysis. Results: Eight interviews were conducted (mean age 56.9 ± 9.2 years; men=2/8). Six essential themes emerged from the data. According to participants, mild stroke clients present sequelae that interfere with complex tasks (patient), increasing the burden on other family members who have to limit their personal activities (daily living). Spouses reported sometimes acting like a parent, which caused tensions in the relationship (conjugal relationship). Anxiety is related to the risk of stroke recurrence (relapse) and some family members present physical symptoms and a lack of energy (health). However, family members do not have access to services despite support from their relatives (services). Conclusion: The results of this exploratory study strongly suggest that even a ‘mild’ stroke has an impact on the daily lives of close family members and affects their quality of life.

Introduction : Les personnes ayant eu un accident vasculaire cérébral léger (AVCL) sont autonomes pour l’accomplissement des activités de la vie quotidienne de base, mais peuvent présenter des déficits subtils pour l’accomplissement d’activités complexes qui ne sont pas dépistés durant l’hospitalisation. Le retour à domicile parmi les proches est souvent le moment où certaines difficultés apparaissent. L’objectif de cette étude est d’explorer la perception des proches de leur qualité de vie, trois mois après le retour à domicile de la personne ayant eu l’AVCL. Méthodologie : Cette étude qualitative repose sur un paradigme constructiviste. Des entrevues individuelles semi-dirigées ont été menées à l’aide d’un guide d’entrevue, auprès de proches de personnes ayant eu un premier AVCL trois mois auparavant. Une transcription du contenu des entrevues a été faite sous forme de verbatim, suivie d’une analyse de contenu. Résultats : Huit entrevues ont été complétées (âge moyen 56,9 ans – ratio hommes/femmes de 2/6). Six thèmes ont été identifiés : personne ayant eu l’AVCL, vie quotidienne, relation conjugale, récidive, santé et services. L’AVCL engendre plusieurs incapacités (personne ayant eu l’AVCL) et les proches interrogés rapportent une augmentation de leurs tâches quotidiennes ce qui limite leurs activités personnelles (vie quotidienne). Ils mentionnent également devoir passer du rôle de conjoint à celui de parent, ce qui modifie la dynamique de couple (relation conjugale). Les proches se disent anxieux face au risque de récidive (récidive) et certains présentent des malaises physiques comme des maux de tête et un manque d’énergie (santé). Les proches affirment n’avoir accès à aucun service et que le seul soutien dont ils bénéficie est celui de leur entourage (services). Conclusion : Le retour à domicile de la personne AVCL engendre diverses conséquences sur le quotidien des proches, ce qui affecte leur qualité de vie. / Introduction: Mild stroke clients are often independent in basic activities of daily living but may present subtle deficits that impact on complex activities and roles. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceived quality of life of close family members three months after the stroke client was discharged home. Method: Qualitative design based on a constructivist paradigm. Interviews were conducted with family members of mild stroke clients three months after discharge. An interview guide was used and the audio content was transcribed, followed by a content analysis. Results: Eight interviews were conducted (mean age 56.9 ± 9.2 years; men=2/8). Six essential themes emerged from the data. According to participants, mild stroke clients present sequelae that interfere with complex tasks (patient), increasing the burden on other family members who have to limit their personal activities (daily living). Spouses reported sometimes acting like a parent, which caused tensions in the relationship (conjugal relationship). Anxiety is related to the risk of stroke recurrence (relapse) and some family members present physical symptoms and a lack of energy (health). However, family members do not have access to services despite support from their relatives (services). Conclusion: The results of this exploratory study strongly suggest that even a ‘mild’ stroke has an impact on the daily lives of close family members and affects their quality of life.