M.A. / This study uses the salutogenic model as a departure point to focus on the sense of coherence (SOC) of women who had to overcome a crisis. Stressors come in many forms but this study focuses specifically on the husband's extramarital affair. After (or during) the initial shock the woman has to make a decision regarding her marriage. Women were considered in regard to the decisions they made, namely to stay in the marriage or to leave it. The first hypothesis stated that the SOC of the women who decided to leave the relationship would be higher than that of the other group. The second hypothesis stated that there would be differences amongst the three components of the SOC (meaningfulness, manageability and comprehension) for the two groups. Meaningfulness would measure higher for the group that decided to end their marriages. Manageability and comprehension would measure higher for the group that decided to stay in their marriages. These different components were quantitatively measured using Antonovsky's SOC-scale. A biographical questionnaire and a qualitative question regarding the reason for the decision that was made, was also included. Although the two hypotheses were not supported, important findings did emerge from the study. The women that left their marriages were found to be more satisfied with their decision than the other group. Women's SOC who felt satisfied or very satisfied with their decision measured higher than those that felt neutral, dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with their decision. This suggests that it is more important that women make decisions that are congruent with their values and views of the marriage, than whether the decision was to terminate or continue with the marriage. This could be valuable information for practitioners working in the field. In addition, it was also found that women who got married at 22 years or older, had a higher SOC than women who got married before they were 22. This suggests that SOC continues to develop with maturity and challenges the notion that SOC ceases to develop into adulthood. Future longitudinal research covering the changes of SOC during the lifespan of a relationship would probably shed light on this issue.

M.A. / The present study has been undertaken to investigate the relationship between sense of coherence and emotional intelligence. 92 respondents, who work in organisations and who were willing to complete the questionnaires, participated in the study. Sense of coherence has been measured by means of a sense of coherence questionnaire (Antonovsky, 1987). Emotional intelligence has been measured by means of an emotional intelligence questionnaire (Schutte, Malouff, Hall, Haggerty, Cooper, Golden & Dornheim, 1997). Various statistical techniques have been employed to test the research hypothesis. The first step in the data-analysis process has been the evaluation of the psychometric properties of the measuring instruments. The second step has been the calculation of the intercorrelation of the sense of coherence and emotional intelligence scales and subscales. The intercorrelations between the subscales were subsequently subjected to a principal factor analysis with iterated communalities and Direct Oblimin rotation. The number of factors were determined by means of a Scree test, theoretical expectations and the interpretability of the factor structure. During the third step the total score of the emotional intelligence questionnaire of the dependent variable and the subscales of the sense of coherence questionnaire as independent variables were used in a multiple-regression analysis. The same procedure was followed during step four, but this time the total score of the sense of coherence questionnaire was specified as a dependent variable and the subscales of the emotional intelligence questionnaire were specified as independent variables. The results show a moderate positive relationship between emotional intelligence and sense of coherence. This relationship can be attributed mainly to the effect of the two subscales, namely optimism (emotional intelligence) and meaningfulness (sense of coherence). Individuals who are optimistic appear to have a high level of sense of coherence. Similarly, it appears that individuals who perceive their lives as meaningful are emotionally intelligent. However, no statement regarding the causal relationship between the variables can be made. This research can be applied in further research with a view to determine the role of emotional intelligence in stress management. In addition, the role that emotions play in the sense of coherence of individuals and resilience can also be investigated.

M.A. (Psychology) / Please refer to full text to view abstract

Magister Psychologiae - MPsych / The main aim of the current study is to examine the relationship between community violence exposure and the development of psychopathology and examine the relationship between community violence exposure and other types of trauma, that is, childhood trauma and stressful life events. It was hypothesised that exposure to community violence will have a high correlation with development of psychological disorders such as mood and anxiety and psychotic disorders. The main study employed a quantitative research design in order to determine the relationship between PTSD in children and adolescents. The current study used secondary data to measure the correlation between exposure to community violence and the development of psychopathology. The data for this study was collected from 132 consecutive referrals between the ages of 13 to 19 (mean age = 15.4, SD = 1.6) from a youth stress clinic at a university in the Western Cape. Findings indicated that community violence prevalence was higher than previous South African studies but lower compared to American studies. There was generally a high prevalence of PTSD and major depressive disorder (MDD) in this sample compared to previous South African studies. An unexpected outcome was that even though there was a high prevalence of PTSD, there was no relationship between community violence exposure and PTSD in this sample, rather, community violence exposure was related to MDD. Furthermore, MDD and not PTSD was related to experiences of childhood trauma. Stressful life events were related to acute stress disorder (ASD). / South Africa

Magister Psychologiae - MPsych / South Africans are exposed to many traumatic events and exposure to such events is associated with negative emotional and behavioural outcomes. However, there are those who are still able to remain psychologically well amidst their difficulties. Resilience is the motivation to be strong in the face of unwarranted demands and this study proposes that it could serve as a buffer against the harmful effects of traumatic events. It is assumed that traumatic events present with demanding circumstances and further that resilience plays a role in the relationship between trauma, the challenges these events present and one’s ability to function in these circumstances. Furthermore, ‘race’ may have a particular influence on this relationship as the level and severity of trauma among different ‘racial’ groups may vary. The link between resilience and trauma has been investigated, but little focus has been given to how ‘race’ may influence this relationship among students in the South African context. The aim of the current study was therefore to investigate the interaction between these three variables and add to existing knowledge related to resilience. Constructs related to resilience include sense of coherence, potency, hardiness, learned resourcefulness and fortitude. The two ‘racial’ groups included in the sample include ‘African’ and ‘Coloured’ students (categories created by the past apartheid government). Resilience was measured by the Resilience Scale for Adults (RSA), trauma was measured by the Harvard Trauma Scale (HTS) and violence exposure was measured by the Childhood Exposure to Community Violence Scale (CECV). Participants included 249 students at the University of the Western Cape. Results indicate that ‘Coloured’ students report similar levels of violence exposure and trauma symptoms as ‘African’ students do. ‘Coloured’ students report higher scores on overall resilience and resilience sub-scales (except the structured style sub-scale) than ‘African’ students as measured on the RSA. With regard to the trauma versus no trauma groups, the results indicate that ‘African’ students who form part of the no trauma group score higher on resilience than those who form part of the trauma group and within the trauma group ‘Coloured’ students score higher on resilience than ‘African’ students. In analyses amongst the high and the low trauma groups, the results indicate that those who form part of the low trauma group score higher on resilience than those who are among the high trauma group; ‘African’ students who form part of the low trauma group score higher on resilience than those who form part of the high trauma group; and ‘Coloured’ students who form part of the low trauma group score higher on resilience than those who form part of the high trauma group. The results yielded in the current study are both similar to and differ from findings presented in previous studies and highlight the complexity of the construct of resilience. Limitations of the study are outlined and recommendations for future research are also provided.

Heart failure (HF) is a serious, life limiting chronic illness and is the most common cause of <30-day hospital readmission, which is costly both in its profound negative impact on patient mortality and quality of life, and in economics. Limited access to care in rural communities increases the prevalence of hospitalizations for heart disease in rural areas. The aims of this project using data mined from Arizona Health Sciences Center Clinical Research Data Warehouse, are to define clinical events (fever, pain, changes in respiratory status, change in level of consciousness, changes in output, bleeding, and suicide ideation) for patients with heart failure, and determine what assessment values are for chronically ill patients and compare to "normal" assessment values for non-chronically ill patients. A literature review was completed to determine how to define clinical events for chronically ill patients with HF, and how decision making is used at home to manage chronic illness. Assessment value data was mined from the clinical research data warehouse and compared to “normal” assessment values, with identification of associations between clinical events and action taken in the hospital. The project results support that there are differences in "normal" assessment values for fever, pain, and change in respiratory status between chronically ill patients with HF, and non-chronically ill patients; there was insufficient data to define bleeding, change in output, or suicide ideation. Impacts to care include earlier recognition of worsening HF symptoms that could result in an earlier call or visit to primary care provider forestalling the need for emergent care and hospital readmission. Application of the mined clinical may inform development of evidenced-based algorithm to guide decision-making at home, and it may also provide the foundation for the development of a tool for patient use to prevent <30-day hospital readmission.

South Africa’s hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ came at a time when the position as host of a high-profile mega-event has become a sought-after status for countries worldwide. Not only do these events hold the promise of extensive triple-bottom-line legacies, but they also offer an extremely powerful destination marketing platform. However, no destination is guaranteed success and sustainable competitiveness by being offered the once-off opportunity to host a major international event. This study focuses on the ways and measures in which mega-events can contribute to destination competitiveness in its entirety as depicted in a popular model of tourism destination competitiveness. Existing literature on destination competitiveness and mega-events, as well as comparative case studies of recent mega-events were explored to furnish a set of apparent key success factors for the sustainable hosting of mega-events. This set of factors was then tested within a case study context through the collection of primary and secondary qualitative data. Industry experts from both the tourism and events industries in the City of Tshwane were interviewed on the eve of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. In addition, strategic documents and other secondary data were investigated to form an understanding of the role of the event as a potential catalyst for destination development. The City’s competitiveness was evaluated before the event, and compared to an evaluation of its perceived competitiveness as a result of the event. Based on the findings, a set of five critical success factors was developed. It includes the need to address eventsm as a strategic destination priority; effective stakeholder identification and role clarification; resource management for the event; alignment of the event strategy with the overall destination marketing strategy; and pro-actively addressing environmental issues. These factors are presented within a timeframe before, during and after the actual event. Through the proposed framework, it may be possible to manage the hosting of events in such a way as to contribute to sustained, holistic competitiveness of the host destination; ensuring alignment with the overall destination marketing and management strategy. / Dissertation (MCom)--University of Pretoria, 2011. / Tourism Management / unrestricted

This dissertation analyses Lukas Motšheletšhele, the first novel written by M.M. Rammala, who also wrote Rangwane ke go Paletše (1971) and Mabosebosane (s.a.). Lukas Motšheletšhele is a tragic novel. M.O. Dona (1994) and P.S. Groenewald (1995) have already analysed this text, but these scholars did not discuss the content, plot and style of the text. Dona focused on feminism and Groenewald on characterisation and genre. Therefore the main objective of this study is to investigate two levels, content and plot, of Lukas Motšheletšhele. This investigation uses a narratological method, involving the two phases of definition of terms and interpretation of concepts. These processes clarified the problems to be addressed in the study. Literary works are found to have three layers, namely content, plot and style. This dissertation only discusses the first two layers; style is explained but not discussed. Regarding content, topic is an important concept, emphasised in this study, because it creates a coherent link between characters, events, time and place. Regarding plot, the important concept to be highlighted is theme, which links the events of the plot. Theme focuses the message of the text and creates suspense in readers. The theme of Lukas Motšheletšhele is discrimination by a parent in the family. Evangelist Motšheletšhele favours his last son more than his other children. Four other important concepts, namely actions, characters, place and time are also discussed. Characters are grouped into two categories, namely major and minor characters. The major characters are then divided into two groups, kind persons and bad persons. In Lukas Motšheletšhele, the kind-hearted person is the well behaved Onika, and quarrelsome person is Evangelist Motšheletšhele, who opposes Onika’s kindness. These characters are described according to their intention, patronage, resistance, assistance and success. In the novel, factors that assist Evangelist Motšheletšhele resist Onika, and vice versa. Another important aspect of plot is design, which has several facets. For example, some aspects of plot design are important for developing the theme, others show the general behaviour of the antagonist and protagonist, and others identify the genre of the literary work. Lukas Motšheletšhele can be classified as a tragedy. In the denouement, the hero, Evangelist Motšheletšhele, falls from his high position of social status and respect and dies due to his false deeds, which is the classic structure of a tragic plot. The plot is discussed in four stages, namely exposition, development, climax and denouement. How the author displays the characters, events, time and place to reveal his aim is also discussed. The concept of technique is thoroughly explained, and examples given from the novel. Particularly, the 14 techniques used to characterize the protagonist, Evangelist Motšheletšhele, are discussed. These techniques are used to disclose his high status and weaknesses, which relate to his bad behaviour. Onika as antagonist is also discussed in terms of the 12 techniques used to reveal her high status, virtue and lack of weakness. / Dissertation (MA)--University of Pretoria, 2008. / African Languages / unrestricted

Maditsi is one of the most significant authors in Sepedi literature. He has written various texts, including poetry, short stories and a novelette. He won the first award of the Samuel E Mqhayi prize awarded by the Suid -Afrikaanse Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns in 1971, with his poetry book Monamolomo bolela monatsebe o tlo go kwa. His exceptional writing proficiency have been recognised by a scholar such as Thobakgale (1996: 6), who writes: (Maditsi) could be called the leading author of the development of Sepedi short stories, because his short stories, namely Mogologolo (1970), Monyane (1974) and Dipheko (1985) are of high standard as compared to the initial ones as they have raised the standard of Sepedi short stories. The aim of this dissertation is to analyse Maditsi’ s short story ‘Pheko ya pula’ from the anthology Dipheko, as a traditional short story, with special reference to two levels, namely content and plot. When analysing ‘Pheko ya pula’, two strategies have been chosen, namely ‘to define’and ‘to intepret’. The reason is because in this research there are terms such as journey, patronage, etc, that require definition, as well as ideas (characters, events, design, title, theme, topic, technique, conflict and others) that require interpretation and are related to the topic. Furthermore, the model used in this investigation was the adapted narratological model developed by Groenewald (1993) and Mojalefa (1997). This model differ from older models developed by narratologists such as Genette (1980) and Strachan (1988), because it emphasizes that when one discusses content, topic is important. When plot structure is examined, theme is highlighted, and when style is investigated, atmosphere plays a very important role. With regard to the content level, it was revealed that content consists of four elements, namely characters, events, time and place. Furthermore, it was also discovered that characters are subdivided into two categories, namely main and minor characters. These major characters are kind- hearted person and quarrelsome person and they are described according to the following index: intention, patronage, resistance, assistance and patronised. In the short story ‘Pheko ya pula’, the kind-hearted person is Potego, while the quarrelsome person is Mathoma, because he opposes Potego’s kindness. If this text is read and studied intensively the reader realises that the assistance of the quarrelsome person, Mathoma is the resistance of the kind-hearted person, Potego, and vice versa. Events can be classified into two categories, namely essential and other events. The essential events are further subdivided into three categories, namely first, middle and last events. The concept of time at the content level is explained in terms of three categories, namely narratological time, historical time and indefinite time. Place is divided into two categories: the physical place where events occur and indefinite place. In analysing plot structure, three elements are important, namely theme, design and title, because theme links the events of the plot of ‘Pheko ya pula’. Title plays a significant role in distinguishing the name of the literary text and design identifies the type of literary work. Four phases of plot, namely exposition, development, climax and denouement, have also been examined as pillars of the literary text. In the exposition phase, the first conflict (local witchdoctors refused to find the rain charm for the Puding community) is discussed in terms of the following techniques: contrast, foreshadowing, naming, focus, repetition and others. Sequence of events, flashback, symbol and other techniques were used in the development. In the climax, the author used cycle, repetition and other techniques, while in the denouement he used flashback and foreshadowing. In conclusion, this research has also examined the way Maditsi has used the journey as a technique in Sepedi literature, because ‘Pheko ya pula’ is based on a journey from the beginning to the end. The author has used this important technique with consummate skill. / Dissertation (MA)--University of Pretoria, 2008. / African Languages / unrestricted

This research aims to investigate the development of the Sepedi detective story, and to classify existing works into appropriate sub-genres. The study will use the methods of comparison, grouping, description and interpretation. The growth and development of the Sepedi detective story from 1951 to 1998 is discussed and the influence of Ramaila’s short stories from the collection Molomatsebe (1951) on other Sepedi detective stories shown. Various problems are examined, including (a) the scarcity of Sepedi detective stories as compared to the number of stories in European languages, and (b) the classification principles suitable for determining the different sub-genres. The study uses a narratological approach, which examines texts focusing on three levels, namely content, structure (plot) and style. This study pays particular attention to the first two levels, though the last level, style, is discussed briefly in the closing chapter. In the investigation the definitions of a detective story formulated by various literary theorists are discussed, and the challenge of classifying detective stories into sub-genres examined. The most important classification systems found in the literature are those formulated by Boileau and Narçejac, Groenewald, and Dresden and Vestdijk. The classification approach used in this study is based on the characteristic features that distinguish a detective story from other genres. The most important characteristic of the detective story is mystery. The concept of mystery is therefore explained in detail, and various sub-genres classified according to the presence of one (occasionally more) of the following elements: (a) the real character of the detective is a mystery, (b) the name of the criminal is a mystery, (c) the name of the victim is a mystery, (d) the evidence that reveals the mystery at the end, and (e) the investigation that reveals the mystery. The different narrative techniques that authors can use to keep the mystery concealed so as to arouse the readers’ interest are explored. Methods to build tension and suspense in a narrative are also investigated. Lately some researchers of Sepedi detective stories have encountered problems in dealing with works that have both mystery and romantic sub-plots. This research study therefore mentions the difference between a detective story and a love story. It is not unusual for a detective story author to bring love affairs into the narrative, because these can be used to relieve tension. In the closing chapter, short remarks are made about the third layer of the text, namely style. Dresden and Vestdijk’s arguments concerning style are taken as the basis for these remarks. They discuss a curious characteristic of detective plots. This is that, though emotional and disturbing acts such as murder or rape are central to a detective story, the mystery surrounding these acts in the plot of the story turns the story into a puzzle rather like a mathematical problem, which is gradually solved as the plot progresses, with the result that the criminal is not viewed negatively. Whether or not he/she is punished is not a central issue; sometimes the criminal even escapes punishment through committing suicide. Death in this type of story has no meaning. This emotional independence is what forms the basis of the detective author’s style. / Thesis (DLitt ( African Languages))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / African Languages / unrestricted