The high prevalence of sexual abuse suffered by women as children is well documented, both internationally and in South Africa. The life outcomes of women who had experienced childhood sexual abuse are generally reported as adverse, yet some of these survivors manage to overcome the abusive relationship and experience positive changes in themselves and their lives. Emerging trauma literature thus supports a philosophical shift from a pathogenic to a autogenic paradigm in which the focus is on positive and adaptive post trauma outcomes. Previous trauma models, which were based on a pathogenic model, are now shifting to a positive psychology trend by incorporating a salutary component, which includes a spiritual and existential dimension as well as an area of potential emerging growth. Information on the constructive coping behaviours, posttraumatic growth and psychological well-being of women who had experienced childhood sexual abuse can lead to the formulation of guidelines with strategies for an intervention programme that can facilitate and enhance coping, posttraumatic growth and psychological well-being in survivors of childhood sexual abuse. This research investigated the coping behaviours, posttraumatic growth and psychological well-being of women who had experienced childhood sexual abuse. The research was carried out in South Africa in the greater Gauteng Province and surrounding areas, with women who had experienced sexual abuse in childhood. A mixed method research design was used in which: the first phase was quantitative research conducted with validated psychometric instruments measuring coping behaviour, posttraumatic growth and psychological well-being. These instruments were the COPE (Coping Self-efficacy Scale), the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, the Mental Health Continuum, Rosenberg’s Self-esteem Scale and the General Health Questionnaire. The second phase was of a qualitative nature, and explored the stories and experiences of women identified as coping constructively, manifesting posttraumatic growth and psychological well-being, by using semi-structured interviews. Lastly, the data obtained was used to formulate guidelines with specific strategies, which can be used by helping professionals in a group context to facilitate and enhance constructive coping, posttraumatic growth and psychological well-being in survivors of childhood sexual abuse. The results of this research were as follows: prevalence of constructive coping, posttraumatic growth and psychological well-being was determined, and indicated that 58% of participants manifested constructive coping, 60% manifested posttraumatic growth and 42% manifested psychological well-being. Semi-structured interviews conducted with the women scoring in the upper range of coping constructively, growing after the trauma and emerging psychologically well were transcribed and analysed by means of interpretative phenomenological analysis, and the following broad themes emerged: psycho-socio spiritual resources, the healing process and positive strengths. These themes and sub-themes produced data which could be used in the formulation of guidelines with strategies for an intervention programme aimed at enhancing and facilitating constructive coping, posttraumatic growth and psychological well-being thereby improving the therapeutic services available to childhood sexual abuse survivors. Finally the study was evaluated and conclusions and recommendations were made. / PhD, Psychology, North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2012

The objectives of this research were to investigate the lived experiences of parents who are suffering from the HIV/AIDS disease, investigate the lived experiences of children whose parents are suffering from the HIV/AIDS disease and propose an ecosystemic intervention programme for supporting children whose parents are suffering from the HIV/AIDS disease. The literature research investigation revealed that part of the burden that learners whose parents suffer from HIV/AIDS carry comes in the form of mental stress and experiences caused by, merely staying with a sick loved one whose condition deteriorates where hope of improvement was expected, prolonged sickness of a loved one, and witnessing the slow painful death of a loved one especially at home. These children often take on additional domestic tasks or care for sick relatives or younger siblings. The children's attendance can be compromised during this time. Their incentive to protect themselves against infection can be low when HIV is only one of many threats to health and life. Poverty may also breed low levels of respect for self and others, and thus a lack of incentive to value and protect lives. The mediating mechanisms act in ways which reduce the impact of risks, reduce negative chain reactions, maintain self-esteem and self-efficacy through relationships and task achievement and open opportunities for positive development. Findings from the empirical research reveal that parents who are HIV-positive are unemployable because of their ill-health, a situation which makes their families to leave in dire poverty. The parents often blame each other for their HIV-positive status sometimes as a way of relieving stress, but when these parents blame each other their children are caught in the cross-fire. Children of parents who suffer from HIV/AIDS are discriminated against and stigmatised by other children, friends and people from their communities. This situation affects these children both psychologically and emotionally. These children assume adult responsibilities at a very tender age, usually lack basic needs such as food, clothing, school uniform, school necessities etc. Their scholastic performance gets negatively affected because of lack concentration, not having enough time to do homework and being frequently absent from school. The children become vulnerable to verbal, emotional and physical abuse, do not get the necessary support they need from their family members, community, government institutions such as the Department of Health and in schools where they attend. These children do not seem to be coping with the circumstances they find themselves in especially if they are also HIV-positive. There is no communication between children of parents who suffer from HIV/AIDS and their parents concerning their experiences about the disease, how they feel and the future expectations. There is also no clear plan on what should these children do, in the case of their parents' death. At schools where these children attend there are no clear strategies to assist them to catch-up with their school work after a long absence and the children do not receive any work from school while they are at home sick or recuperating from illness as per the National Policy on HIV/AIDS. An ecosystemic programme is proposed in this research. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2008.

Objectives: The objective of this thesis is to evaluate body posture in students of 3rd and 4th grade of elementary school, to assess the impact of the intervention programme and to discuss further ways how the body posture can be affected. Methods: The body posture evaluation was performed through an experiment with elements of qualitative and quantitative research. Results: The body posture evaluation was performed using three selected tests: Mathias test, evaluation by Jaros and Lomička and measurement of the cervical and lumbar lordosis. Mathias test showed good posture results in only 14 students (16.9%), 69 students (83.1%) had poor posture. According to Jaroš and Lomíček, the head and neck were found to be the worst scoring areas, while the best scoring area of the body was found to be the chest. In terms of posture, the pretest revealed 27 students (32.6%) to have good posture, 54 students (65%) bad posture and 2 students (2.4%) were found to have very poor posture. The posttest revealed 36 students (43.4%) to have good posture and 47 students (56.6%) poor posture. Very bad posture was not found in posttest. Measurement of cervical lordosis was within the normal range for 10 (12%) students in testing (pretest) and for 12 students (14.5%) in the posttest. Lumbar lordosis testing was also in...

Abstract Background: The high prevalence of smoking on the mines contributes significantly to the public health burden due to exposure to crystalline silica dust and high HIV and TB prevalence rates. Progressive anti-tobacco legislation that informs workplace smoking policies is in existence but there are no formal smoking interventions to achieve the objectives of such policies and to facilitate health promotion. Health care workers, in particular have a vital role to play in this regard. Objectives: The objectives of this research study were to determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices of HCWs regarding prevention of smoking in gold mine workers and to use this information to propose a framework for a smoking intervention programme for the mines. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive knowledge, attitudes and practice (KAP) study. Data were obtained from 69 HCWs using self-administered questionnaires, from 161 occupational lung disease (OLD) and 30 medical ward admission record reviews, and from 4 informal discussions. Results: While knowledge and attitudes about smoking was good overall and 84.1% of HCWs reported that they would routinely ask smoking status and document it, this was not done in practice. An overwhelming majority of HCWs are aware that smoking is harmful to one’s health (98.6%); is harmful to mine workers’ health (97.1%), and predisposes them to acquiring lung diseases (95.7%). Half (56.7%) of the nurses, but no doctors documented smoking history on admission and poor follow up of this advice (38.5%) is an area of concern. HCWs identified a need for support structures such as workplace and community programmes that include education, training and awareness campaigns. Conclusion: Overall, HCWS are responsive to workplace smoking interventions: they are knowledgeable, and show insight and have positive attitudes towards smoking interventions, but a more enabling environment is required to establish good workplace practices. To this end a “Proposed framework for smoking interventions on the mines, incorporating the HCW programme” has been developed and partially implemented. Awareness of this study and its preliminary findings has already demonstrated a paradigm shift in thinking about tobacco on the gold mines.

Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2007.

Workplace bullying is recognised as a major psychosocial stressor in various professions and can have severe effects on health. Teachers are distinguished as an occupational group that is severely affected by this phenomenon. The general objectives of this research study were to firstly investigate teachers’ experiences of workplace bullying and its effects on health, and secondly, to develop a multi-level intervention programme that can be implemented to address workplace bullying and its effects on health in this context. This research study was conducted in two phases. The biopsychosocial model was applied as a theoretical foundation in the first phase. Participants were sampled by means of informative and educational articles that were placed online and in printed media. Selection criteria were applied to sample a group that was representative of victims of workplace bullying. Ultimately, twenty-seven teachers were included in this study. A qualitative, phenomenological research design was used to explore teachers’ experiences of workplace bullying and its effects on health. Data was specifically gathered by means of semi-structured interviews and personal documents. Semi-structured interviews were audio-recorded and data was transcribed verbatim. Methods of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis were applied to analyse and present the data. Findings were supported with verbatim quotes and a literature control. Teachers’ reports indicated that workplace bullying is mostly perpetrated by principals and that colleagues are often also involved in the process. Bullying behaviours were aimed at attacking the character, as well as the work of teachers. Organisational channels were often exploited to bully teachers. Certain behaviours were an infringement of teachers’ human and labour rights. Findings are also analogous to the theory and dynamics that is depicted by the biopsychosocial model. Escalating stress and trauma were reflected in teachers’ physical, psychological and social health. The experience of workplace bullying firstly impacted on their psychological health, which was also accompanied by various physical health problems. Major depressive episodes and/ or symptoms of depression were mostly reported. Some teachers also reported symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, complex-posttraumatic stress disorder, and panic attacks. Teachers’ ill-health experiences further negatively impacted on their social and professional relationships. The school organisation is affected. The result is teachers with a lost passion for the profession, lowered work performance, increased absenteeism, and teachers’ intention to leave the profession. Findings finally indicated that certain personal and organisational characteristics facilitate and sustain workplace bullying. Relevant literature, field notes during the research process and findings in the first phase of this study guided the development of a multi-level intervention programme for the South African teaching profession. Strategic intervention activities were suggested to address some of the causes, as well as the physical, psychological and social health effects of workplace bullying. A strategic and methodological approach to multi-level intervention was also developed and proposed. Strategic intervention activities were ultimately suggested for the professional, social/ community, individual/ familial, dyadic, organisational, managerial, and work group level. / Thesis (PhD (Educational Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

The high prevalence of sexual abuse suffered by women as children is well documented, both internationally and in South Africa. The life outcomes of women who had experienced childhood sexual abuse are generally reported as adverse, yet some of these survivors manage to overcome the abusive relationship and experience positive changes in themselves and their lives. Emerging trauma literature thus supports a philosophical shift from a pathogenic to a autogenic paradigm in which the focus is on positive and adaptive post trauma outcomes. Previous trauma models, which were based on a pathogenic model, are now shifting to a positive psychology trend by incorporating a salutary component, which includes a spiritual and existential dimension as well as an area of potential emerging growth. Information on the constructive coping behaviours, posttraumatic growth and psychological well-being of women who had experienced childhood sexual abuse can lead to the formulation of guidelines with strategies for an intervention programme that can facilitate and enhance coping, posttraumatic growth and psychological well-being in survivors of childhood sexual abuse. This research investigated the coping behaviours, posttraumatic growth and psychological well-being of women who had experienced childhood sexual abuse. The research was carried out in South Africa in the greater Gauteng Province and surrounding areas, with women who had experienced sexual abuse in childhood. A mixed method research design was used in which: the first phase was quantitative research conducted with validated psychometric instruments measuring coping behaviour, posttraumatic growth and psychological well-being. These instruments were the COPE (Coping Self-efficacy Scale), the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, the Mental Health Continuum, Rosenberg’s Self-esteem Scale and the General Health Questionnaire. The second phase was of a qualitative nature, and explored the stories and experiences of women identified as coping constructively, manifesting posttraumatic growth and psychological well-being, by using semi-structured interviews. Lastly, the data obtained was used to formulate guidelines with specific strategies, which can be used by helping professionals in a group context to facilitate and enhance constructive coping, posttraumatic growth and psychological well-being in survivors of childhood sexual abuse. The results of this research were as follows: prevalence of constructive coping, posttraumatic growth and psychological well-being was determined, and indicated that 58% of participants manifested constructive coping, 60% manifested posttraumatic growth and 42% manifested psychological well-being. Semi-structured interviews conducted with the women scoring in the upper range of coping constructively, growing after the trauma and emerging psychologically well were transcribed and analysed by means of interpretative phenomenological analysis, and the following broad themes emerged: psycho-socio spiritual resources, the healing process and positive strengths. These themes and sub-themes produced data which could be used in the formulation of guidelines with strategies for an intervention programme aimed at enhancing and facilitating constructive coping, posttraumatic growth and psychological well-being thereby improving the therapeutic services available to childhood sexual abuse survivors. Finally the study was evaluated and conclusions and recommendations were made. / PhD, Psychology, North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2012

Workplace bullying is recognised as a major psychosocial stressor in various professions and can have severe effects on health. Teachers are distinguished as an occupational group that is severely affected by this phenomenon. The general objectives of this research study were to firstly investigate teachers’ experiences of workplace bullying and its effects on health, and secondly, to develop a multi-level intervention programme that can be implemented to address workplace bullying and its effects on health in this context. This research study was conducted in two phases. The biopsychosocial model was applied as a theoretical foundation in the first phase. Participants were sampled by means of informative and educational articles that were placed online and in printed media. Selection criteria were applied to sample a group that was representative of victims of workplace bullying. Ultimately, twenty-seven teachers were included in this study. A qualitative, phenomenological research design was used to explore teachers’ experiences of workplace bullying and its effects on health. Data was specifically gathered by means of semi-structured interviews and personal documents. Semi-structured interviews were audio-recorded and data was transcribed verbatim. Methods of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis were applied to analyse and present the data. Findings were supported with verbatim quotes and a literature control. Teachers’ reports indicated that workplace bullying is mostly perpetrated by principals and that colleagues are often also involved in the process. Bullying behaviours were aimed at attacking the character, as well as the work of teachers. Organisational channels were often exploited to bully teachers. Certain behaviours were an infringement of teachers’ human and labour rights. Findings are also analogous to the theory and dynamics that is depicted by the biopsychosocial model. Escalating stress and trauma were reflected in teachers’ physical, psychological and social health. The experience of workplace bullying firstly impacted on their psychological health, which was also accompanied by various physical health problems. Major depressive episodes and/ or symptoms of depression were mostly reported. Some teachers also reported symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, complex-posttraumatic stress disorder, and panic attacks. Teachers’ ill-health experiences further negatively impacted on their social and professional relationships. The school organisation is affected. The result is teachers with a lost passion for the profession, lowered work performance, increased absenteeism, and teachers’ intention to leave the profession. Findings finally indicated that certain personal and organisational characteristics facilitate and sustain workplace bullying. Relevant literature, field notes during the research process and findings in the first phase of this study guided the development of a multi-level intervention programme for the South African teaching profession. Strategic intervention activities were suggested to address some of the causes, as well as the physical, psychological and social health effects of workplace bullying. A strategic and methodological approach to multi-level intervention was also developed and proposed. Strategic intervention activities were ultimately suggested for the professional, social/ community, individual/ familial, dyadic, organisational, managerial, and work group level. / Thesis (PhD (Educational Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

As South Africa is one of the countries with the highest HIVJAids prevalence in the world, many South Africans are affected by the pandemic. One of the structures being endangered by the HIVJAids pandemic is the education system. Educators are especially affected by the impact of the pandemic due to the fact that they not only have to cope with infected colleagues who are often absent, but are also burdened with numerous orphans and vulnerable children at their schools because of the pandemic. Sometimes these affected educators even have to care for their own loved ones who suffer from or die of the disease. The impact of the pandemic is personal stress, such as depression and suicidal ideation, plus professional impairment such as through increased workload and staff negativity. Affected educators are vulnerable, struggle to cope and are desperately in need of support, due to the pressure they experience regarding the pandemic. Current literature reports little support for educators affected by HIVJAids with regard to the personal and professional impact of the pandemic. This study focuses on determining the efficacy of REds (Resilient Educators), a support programme compiled to empower educators who are affected by HIVJAids, the implementation of which was also piloted by this study. A qualitative research design which included experimental and action research which focused on the latter (action research) was used. A purposive convenience sample consisting of eight volunteers from local primary schools participated. The researcher made use of a mixed-methods design for the pre and post-tests which included both qualitative and quantitative measuring instruments. REds was implemented over a period of nine consecutive weeks in a group setting and was continuously evaluated by the participants who proposed changes in order to improve the programme. In spite of being realistic about the obstacles they will face with regard to the HIVIAids pandemic, participants reported to be relieved, empowered and motivated to fight the effects of the pandemic. The quantitative results show some improvement in participants' experience of secondary trauma resulting from the impact of the pandemic. The results suggest that REds was efficacious, but that educators need continued support. Some modification of REds is also suggested action research affected impact. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2007.

The objectives of this research were to investigate the lived experiences of parents who are suffering from the HIV/AIDS disease, investigate the lived experiences of children whose parents are suffering from the HIV/AIDS disease and propose an ecosystemic intervention programme for supporting children whose parents are suffering from the HIV/AIDS disease. The literature research investigation revealed that part of the burden that learners whose parents suffer from HIV/AIDS carry comes in the form of mental stress and experiences caused by, merely staying with a sick loved one whose condition deteriorates where hope of improvement was expected, prolonged sickness of a loved one, and witnessing the slow painful death of a loved one especially at home. These children often take on additional domestic tasks or care for sick relatives or younger siblings. The children's attendance can be compromised during this time. Their incentive to protect themselves against infection can be low when HIV is only one of many threats to health and life. Poverty may also breed low levels of respect for self and others, and thus a lack of incentive to value and protect lives. The mediating mechanisms act in ways which reduce the impact of risks, reduce negative chain reactions, maintain self-esteem and self-efficacy through relationships and task achievement and open opportunities for positive development. Findings from the empirical research reveal that parents who are HIV-positive are unemployable because of their ill-health, a situation which makes their families to leave in dire poverty. The parents often blame each other for their HIV-positive status sometimes as a way of relieving stress, but when these parents blame each other their children are caught in the cross-fire. Children of parents who suffer from HIV/AIDS are discriminated against and stigmatised by other children, friends and people from their communities. This situation affects these children both psychologically and emotionally. These children assume adult responsibilities at a very tender age, usually lack basic needs such as food, clothing, school uniform, school necessities etc. Their scholastic performance gets negatively affected because of lack concentration, not having enough time to do homework and being frequently absent from school. The children become vulnerable to verbal, emotional and physical abuse, do not get the necessary support they need from their family members, community, government institutions such as the Department of Health and in schools where they attend. These children do not seem to be coping with the circumstances they find themselves in especially if they are also HIV-positive. There is no communication between children of parents who suffer from HIV/AIDS and their parents concerning their experiences about the disease, how they feel and the future expectations. There is also no clear plan on what should these children do, in the case of their parents' death. At schools where these children attend there are no clear strategies to assist them to catch-up with their school work after a long absence and the children do not receive any work from school while they are at home sick or recuperating from illness as per the National Policy on HIV/AIDS. An ecosystemic programme is proposed in this research. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2008.