The aims of this research about learners affected or orphaned by HIV/AIDS was to determine, by means of a case study, the psychological well-being of learners affected or orphaned by HIV/AIDS; the general performance of these learners at school; the nature and extent of social support they get from their schools, family, community and society; and the physical well-being of these learners; as well as to make suggestions for an ecosystemic psycho-social support of these learners in order to enhance and strengthen their psycho-social well-being. The literature review highlighted that, as a result of HIV/AIDS, new family forms are emerging, such as "skipgeneration" families, where the parent generation has succumbed to HIV/AIDS and HIV/AIDS-related illnesses and the families are made up of grandparents and orphaned grandchildren, and child-headed families, where grandparents are not available to care for orphaned grandchildren. The case study of this research revealed that parental illness and the death of parents of adolescents affected and orphaned by HIV/AIDS are causes of these adolescents' emotional trauma and grief, stress, scholastic problems, stigmatization and discrimination, missing out on educational opportunities and experiencing poverty. The empirical research also revealed that these children and adolescents do not get the necessary familial support from their relatives, especially immediately after the death of their parents. On the basis of both the literature review and the empirical research findings, the researcher made suggestions for an ecosystemic psycho-social support of learners affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic in order to enhance and strengthen their psycho-social well-being. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2009.

The aim of this study was to develop, evaluate and refine an ecosystemic program to facilitate self-regulation (SR) among corporate workers. A temporary program was developed with the aid of a literature review, based on the integration of the SR-theory with the principles of the ecosystem theory and program development. The program was presented over a period of three days at the Mabula nature reserve for a group of seven corporate employees in the broker industry. Each session took place in the form of a game drive, preceded by a group activity, a discussion of one of the three components of SR and followed by applicable examples out of nature. Data was analysed quantitatively and qualitatively. Results show that although participants' goal management, self effectiveness (SE) and mindfulness improved after conclusion of the program, these changes were not statistically or practically meaningful. Possible explanations for this are detained in the nature of the program and the manner in which the program was implemented, as well as in the factors which could have negatively influenced the credibility and reliability of the program evaluation. The conclusion was made that the program had a greater impact on participants' insight of the theoretical under print of SR, rather than their SR skills and that the aspect of experiential learning is possibly not promoted enough. Nevertheless, the program is very promising and only a few changes are necessary to refine the temporary program. Recommendations include that there should be more intensive emphasis on the practical facilitation of SR during the presentation of the program and that standardised instruments with a greater group of participants, including a control group, should be considered. / Thesis (M.A. (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

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Orientador: Ademar Ribeiro Romeiro / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Economia / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-17T08:25:16Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Paiva_RobertaFernandadaPazdeSouza_D.pdf: 2183238 bytes, checksum: 37af2d628d609d9e269a0d90ac46c0d5 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010 / Resumo: O atendimento das demandas geradas pelo crescimento econômico e a ampliação das necessidades de consumo da população dão uma nova dinâmica ao contexto de exploração do meio ambiente. Maiores níveis de utilização dos recursos naturais e a convicção de que os recursos naturais são finitos (com o risco de perdas irreversíveis potencialmente catastróficas), difundida pelos economistas ecológicos, exigem a mudança dos paradigmas nos quais se baseia a gestão dos recursos naturais, até então apoiada principalmente em resultados de estudos que buscam realizar estimativas do valor econômico dos recursos naturais. Nesse contexto, a partir dos preceitos da economia ecológica, que inclui diferentes dimensões de valor que não a econômica e tem por objetivo a escala sustentável de utilização e a equidade na distribuição dos recursos naturais, além da eficiência alocativa, faz-se necessária a discussão de quão adequados são os estudos baseados na aplicação dos métodos convencionais de valoração para embasar a tomada de decisão. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo principal discutir sobre a capacidade dos métodos convencionais de valoração econômica ambiental (VEA) captarem o valor total dos ativos ambientais, a partir da apresentação dos conceitos da Economia Ecológica e dos valores que a mesma associa aos recursos naturais. Buscou-se mostrar, através da realização de estudos de casos (avaliação da poluição hídrica e atmosférica na cidade de Volta Redonda/RJ), um caminho para um protocolo de valoração econômico-ecológica, para que a mesma possa incluir questões imprescindíveis à gestão ambiental. Como principal conclusão tem-se que os estudos de valoração utilizados como base para os processos decisórios devem ser baseados em avaliações ecossistêmicas que forneçam informações sobre os serviços ecossistêmicos prestados pelo recurso avaliado e, a partir daí, possam ser selecionados métodos de valoração mais adequados (que podem ter seu fundamento nas preferências individuais, coletivas ou processos biofísicos) que possam captar as dimensões de valor (econômica, ecológica e sócio-cultural), seja através da base monetária ou não / Abstract: The attendance of the claims generated by the economic growth and the increasing of the population consumption needs give a new dynamic to the context of environment exploration. Higher levels of natural resources utilization and the conviction that natural resources are finite (with risk of potentially catastrophic irreversible losses) diffused by ecological economists, demand the change in the paradigms on which the question of the natural resources is based, until now mainly supported on results of studies that seek to carry out estimates of natural resources economic value. Within this context, from the ecological economy precepts, that includes different dimensions of value but the economic, and has as objective the sustainable utilization scale and the equity in the distribution of the natural resources, besides the allocative efficiency, one does the necessary discussion of how much suitable the studies based on the application of the conventional methods of valoration are to sustain the making of decision. The actual work had as the main objective to discuss about the capacity of the conventional methods of environmental economic valoration (VEA) to captivate the total value of the environmental assets, from the presentation of the concepts of the Ecological Economy, and of the values that it associates to the natural resources. One intended to show, by means of the realization of case studies (valuation of the water and atmospheric pollution in the city of Volta Redonda), a way to a protocol of economic-ecological valoration, so that it may include indispensable questions to the environmental questions. As the main conclusion one has that the studies of valoration utilized as the base to the decision process must be based on eco-systemic valuations that provide data about the eco-systemic services performed by the resource evaluated and, from this point, more suitable methods of valoration can be selected (that can have their background in the individual, collective preferences, or in the biophysical processes), that can captivate the (economic, ecological and socio-cultural) dimensions of value, whether by means of the monetary basis or not / Doutorado / Desenvolvimento Economico, Espaço e Meio Ambiente / Doutor em Desenvolvimento Economico

Magister Psychologiae - MPsych / The following study aimed to explore the development of resilience within male youth, despite exposure to numerous factors traditionally classified as high-risk. The research focussed on the developmental process of six male youth who engaged in positive coping through actively seeking protection in a high-risk environment, in the form of a non government organization within their community. The study assumed that the active seeking of a protective environment by high-risk youth is an indication of resilience. A phenomenological approach was used to understand the processes that aided the development of resilience within the individuals, through semi-structured in-depth interview guides. Qualitative thematic analysis was utilized to attain and understand common themes. An ecosystemic approach was used in conceptualizing the findings of this research. Indications of resilient development within male youths, relating to systemic factors, which contributed to resilience were explored. The major findings of this research were congruent with past research, both in South Africa and internationally. Three primary themes of support, control, and security emerged from the analysis. The research findings indicated that individuals possessing an internal locus of control were able to cope with adversity and had hence developed resilience. The participants in this sample were confident in their abilities, possessed motivation and belief in success. Systemic factors that were elicited as important in the optimal development of resilience were belief in the youth’s ability, and faith in their capacity to achieve,as well as providing support and guidance to youth when needed. The research found that if youth were faced with factors understood as high-risk, and were able to overcome them, these risk factors served to further enhance resilience. This research offers researchers and community organizations further insight into effective intervention programs to promote optimal youth development in high-risk areas.

This is a descriptive study of the therapeutic relationship between Thando, who has been diagnosed with dyslexia and Ilze, an intern counseling psychologist. During our therapeutic relationship Thando’s view of herself and her diagnosed dyslexia improved remarkably. The improvement came without any specifically planned strategies or interventions. This study attempts to describe what happened in the therapeutic relationship to bring about the changes that occurred and attempts to give meaning to the changes. The study describes the impact that a diagnosis can have on the life of the diagnosed individual. It also suggests that the discovery of the person behind the label may be a therapeutic antidote to the negative affects that may result from such a diagnosis. A qualitative approach is taken and the data is presented through a case study and unstructured interviews. The interviews provide valuable information about Thando’s experience of the changes that occurred in her as well as her experience of someone who lives with a diagnostic label like dyslexia. / Dissertation (MA (Counselling Psychology))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Psychology / unrestricted

Memoria para optar al título de Geógrafo / Diversos son los servicios ecosistémicos (SE) que se encuentran al margen del mercado, debido a su imposibilidad de ser considerados bienes transables y a su carácter de bien común, razón por la cual estos no son correctamente valorados por el análisis tradicional (oferta y demanda). La valoración de áreas naturales es una labor que no se limita a un análisis económico y a la cuantificación de los distintos SE, sino que además –al menos en el presente estudio- es un esfuerzo por ahondar en las prioridades de la población que es parte, en sus motivaciones y el propio valor que da, en relación al bienestar experimentado y vivido. Quebrada de la Plata, en Maipú, se caracteriza por poseer una gran biodiversidad –formando parte de un “hotspot” de biodiversidad- pero también recursos naturales apreciados por el mercado (minería), lo que ocasiono conflictos en torno al cuidado del lugar. Muchas son las aristas existentes en el presente estudio, aunque todas ellas van conducidas hacia un mismo objetivo, que es el contribuir en la conservación de Quebrada de la Plata, mediante una rearticulación en la relación de los diversos visitantes y entes involucrados al lugar, en un clima de respeto, educación, y empatía, teniendo a la conservación como la punta de flecha de las presentes y futuras acciones en la Quebrada. Sumándose además, la implementación del método de la disposición a pagar como una alternativa a aplicar al mediano plazo –posterior a la restauración del lugar, ya que actualmente no existen las condiciones para propiciar visitas de mayor peso al Santuario- que potencie al lugar como destino turístico de manera segura y controlada, y no como actualmente ocurre, en donde gran parte de las visitas al lugar ocurren de manera informal. / Various are the Ecosystemic Services (ES) found outside of the Economic Market, due to their impossibility to be considered sellable goods and to their character of common goods, reason for what these are not correctly valued by traditional analysis (offer and demand). The valuation of natural areas is a labor that is not limited to an economic analysis and to the quantification of the different ES, but moreover -at least in the present study- is an effort to go further in the priorities of the population from what it is part, in its motivations and the own given value, in relation to the experienced and lived wellness. Quebrada de la Plata, in Maipú (Chile), is characterized for possessing a great biodiversity –being part of a biodiversity hotspot- but also it possesses natural resources appreciated for the Economic Market (mining), what caused conflicts related to the care of the place. Many are the existing edges in the present study, although all they are driven to a same objective, to contribute to the conservation of Quebrada de la Plata, through a rearticulation in relation to the diverse visitors and entities involved to this place, in a climate of respect, education and empathy, with the conservation be the main objective of the present and future actions in Quebrada de la Plata. Adding moreover the method of the disposition to pay as an alternative to use in mid-term – later to a restoration of the place, because currently there are not conditions to promote most valuable visits to the sanctuary- to boost this place how a tourist destination in a sure and controlled way, and not how it currently happens, where the most of the visits to the place happen in an informal way. / Diversos são os serviços ecossistêmicos (SE) que estão fora do mercado, devido a sua impossibilidade de serem considerados como bens comercializáveis e seu caráter de bem comum, razão pela qual o valor disso não é equitativo em relação aos valores de mercado. A avaliação de áreas naturais é uma tarefa que não se limita a uma análise econômica e à quantificação dos diferentes SE, mas também - pelo menos no presente estudo - é um esforço para aprofundar as prioridades da população que faz parte, em suas motivações e no valor que dá, em relação ao bem-estar vivido. Quebrada de la Plata, no município de Maipú, caracteriza-se por sua grande biodiversidade -fazendo parte de um "hotspot" de biodiversidade- mas também de recursos naturais apreciados pelo mercado (mineração), que causou conflitos em torno dos cuidados do lugar. Muitas são as arestas existentes neste estudo, embora todas sejam voltadas para o mesmo objetivo, que é contribuir para a conservação da Quebrada de la Plata, através de uma rearticulação na relação dos diversos visitantes e entidades envolvidas no local, num clima de respeito, educação e empatia, com a conservação como ponta de lança das ações presentes e futuras na Quebrada. Adicionando, além disso, o método de disposição a pagar como alternativa a aplicar a médio prazo -Posterior ao restauro do lugar, visto que presentemente não existem condições para propiciar visitas de maior peso ao Santuário- que realce o lugar como destino turístico de forma segura e controlado, e não como acontece atualmente, onde grande parte das visitas ao site ocorre informalmente.

Post-1994 welcomed political transformation in South Africa which also brought about change in the educational sector since Black students had access to former White universities. Contrary to the growing number of Black students, the impetus for this study was found in the short supply of Black student teachers in ECE. Moreover, this study attempted to investigate how ecosystemic factors influenced the low enrolment of Black student teachers as well as their perceptions and experiences of the ECE programme at a former White university. The study was conducted from a qualitative, case study approach. The various data collection techniques, such as photo voice, narratives, semi-structured interviews and a focus group interview with five final year student teachers yielded the following results: Various ecosystemic factors influenced Black student teachers’ perceptions and experiences of ECE. First, the history of education in South Africa has had a detrimental effect on the experiences and perceptions of Black students in ECE, as well as a negative influence on the status of ECE. Second, Black students are under-prepared for their studies at tertiary level which results in negative academic experiences for the students, as well as a high dropout rate. Third, and most recurrently, it was evident that economic circumstances affect Black student teachers in terms of academic status, support offered by the HEI and enrolment into ECE teacher training. Fourth, societal factors such as the communities’ perception of, and the low regard that they hold for ECE, influenced Black students’ decisions to consider this phase of teaching as a career. Finally, personal factors, unique to each individual Black student teacher, influenced their perceptions and experiences of ECE. / Dissertation (MEd)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Early Childhood Education / available

Child sexual abuse is rampant in Zimbabwe. This can be attributed to several Zimbabwean ecosystemic factors that contribute to the gravity of the problem. This study explored these ecosystemic factors that affect Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in Zimbabwe to determine appropriate strategies to apply so that CSE could be successfully be provided to early grade children in Zimbabwe. This qualitative study used an interpretivist paradigm which was underpinned by the ontological assumption that reality is not objectively determined, but socially constructed. In this study, a case study design was utilised, embracing a semi-structured interview and document analysis as data-gathering instruments. This study was informed by Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theoretical framework. The main research question of the study was: What ecosystemic factors play a role in Comprehensive Sexuality Education in Zimbabwean schools? The secondary research questions were also as follows:  What are the teachers’ views and perceptions of teaching CSE in early grades?  How will parents perceive the introduction of CSE in the early grades?  In what way will the religious leaders perceive the introduction of CSE in the early grades as positive?  What are the cultural factors that impact on the teaching of CSE in early grades?  How do religious factors impact on the teaching of CSE in the early grades? The participants were ten early grade teachers, ten parents with children in early grades and five religious leaders. The study revealed that CSE was not taught to early grade children due to several ecosystemic factors. There is no CSE curriculum for early grade children in Zimbabwe. The teachers are uncomfortable to teach the subject because of the diverse cultural and religious beliefs of the Zimbabweans. Some churches believe CSE defiles innocent children. Their doctrines prevent other churches from teaching EMC to children before they reach the age of 14. The study recommended the development of CSE for early grades by teachers in conjunction with parents and religious leaders and the training of teachers to change their attitude towards the teaching of the subject as well as to provide them with appropriate content and teaching strategies. The provision of teaching and learning resources on CSE for teachers and early grade learners was also recommended. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2020. / Early Childhood Education / PhD / Unrestricted

How people survive and thrive through adversity is a question which has prompted much research. There is little agreement on the definition of resilience beyond the basic idea of "bouncing back", resulting in many studies which offer contradictory and confusing information. This study sought to organise the literature into broad conceptual categories, and attempted to explain some of the differences in definitions and research methods at the level of paradigm. A need to reconceptualise resilience was identified and undertaken in view of input from ecosystemic, cybernetic and postmodem paradigms. Attention was given especially to the role oflanguage, meaning and description, and the role of the observer/researcher in such a reconceptualisation. Guidelines were offered for approaching research in future. Finally, the context of the researcher was examined in an attempt at self-reflexivity as part of the process of research as proposed in the reconceptualisation. / Psychology / M.A. (Clinical Psychology)