Many South Africans experience the severe impact of the HIVIAIDS pandemic. The AlDS orphan, specifically, has to suffer the adverse effects of this relentless worldwide catastrophe. The HIVIAIDS orphan is not just another orphan, but someone who suffers from exceptional pressures which may lead to depression, hopelessness and psychological trauma later in life (Coombe, 2003) In order to function well in these circumstances, nterventions that target resilient functioning are needed to empower the AlDS orphan. The purpose of this study was to document, by means of a literature review and empirical research, the phenomenon of resilience among AlDS orphans. In order to achieve this goal, it was necessary to elucidate the concepts HIV/AIDS, pandemic, impacts of the pandemic on South Africa and its orphans, resilience and empowerment of orphans. The aim of the empirical research was to investigate the phenomenon of resilience among HIVIAIDS orphans by conducting both survey and phenomenological research and to compare the functioning of resilient and non-resilient orphans. Some of the important findings include: South African AlDS orphans face multiple risk; the participants of this study show remarkable resilience in spite of adversity; and the resilient AlDS orphans in this study alluded to several intrapersonal and interpersonal protective factors which contribute to their resilience. The findings were used to generate guidelines for individuals, families, education and community stakeholders who interact with AlDS orphans and wish to intervene meaningfully in order to empower AlDS orphans towards (continued) resilient functioning. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2007.

The primary objectives of this study were to investigate the relationship between job insecurity, job satisfaction, work wellness, and organisational commitment of employees (N = 66) at a petroleum / oil company. A cross-sectional survey design was used. Constructs were measured by means of the Job Insecurity Survey Inventory (JISI), the Minnesota Job Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ), the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI), the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES), the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), and the Organisational Commitment Questionnaire (OCQ). For many employees, the changes in working life we have witnessed over the past two decades have caused feelings of insecurity concerning the nature and future existence of their jobs (Hartley, Jacobson, Klandermans, & van Vuuren, 1991). Job insecurity is not only problematic for the individual employees, but also for the company in which they work. Greenhalgh and Rosenblatt (1984) found that the impact of job insecurity on individual employees could erode the effectiveness of the organisation. A downward spiral is created, where productivity decreases, and in such a manner that the competitive strength of the company is undermined. The risk of further redundancies is increased, which in turn increases feelings of job insecurity. The impact of job insecurity as noted above, inter alia, lowered job satisfaction, lowered trust in management, lowered organisational commitment, produced a greater tendency to leave the organisation, caused an increase in psychosomatic complaints and depression, and ultimately spreads into negative consequences for the organisation. It is for these reasons that the researchers felt the need to conduct research on job insecurity. All scales used in this research demonstrated adequate internal consistencies. Job insecurity and job satisfaction were not found to be correlated as there was no negative correlation found between job insecurity and intrinsic job satisfaction. Affective job insecurity demonstrated a practically significant positive correlation of medium effect with intrinsic job satisfaction. This therefore suggested that the higher the levels of affective job insecurity, the higher the levels of intrinsic job satisfaction. These findings are contrary to literature, which suggests that job insecurity has been associated with lowered job satisfaction (Probst & Baker, 2001). Both job insecurity subscales, cognitive and affective job insecurity, demonstrated a practically significant positive correlation of medium effect with both of the OLBI subscales, implying that increased levels of both job insecurity subscales are associated with increased levels of burnout as measured by the OLBI. Job insecurity (particularly affective job insecurity) was found to be positively associated with the anxiety and insomnia subscale as measured by the GHQ, which suggested that the higher the levels of job insecurity, the higher the levels of anxiety and insomnia experienced by the participants. Participants with increased levels of tenure (more than 5 years) presented with higher levels of social dysfunction than participants who had been working in the organisation for less than five years. Employees with tertiary qualifications, as well as employees younger than 35 years, displayed lower levels of continuance commitment compared to employees without tertiary qualifications and were older than 35 years. White employees presented with higher levels of anxiety and insomnia, as well as higher levels of social dysfunction compared to participants falling within the Blacklother categories. / Thesis (M.A. (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2005.

The purpose of this study was to determine, by means of a review of literature and empirical research, the impact of dietary interventions on the classroom health promotion of Foundation Phase learners with ADD. In order to reach this goal, it was imperative to illustrate the meaning of the concepts health, wellness, health promoting schools, nutrition and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). The objective of the empirical research was to determine whether dietary interventions would promote the health of Foundation Phase learners with ADD in the classroom by focusing on decreasing their levels of hyperactivity, increasing their concentration and improving their social behaviour. In conclusion, the following are some of the findings of this study. Dietary interventions impacted positively on: the hyperactivity level of participating foundation phase learners with ADD in the classroom; the ability of participating foundation phase learners with ADD to concentrate in the classroom; and the social behaviour of participating foundation phase learners with ADD in the classroom. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2005.

Many South Africans experience the severe impact of the HIVIAIDS pandemic. The AlDS orphan, specifically, has to suffer the adverse effects of this relentless worldwide catastrophe. The HIVIAIDS orphan is not just another orphan, but someone who suffers from exceptional pressures which may lead to depression, hopelessness and psychological trauma later in life (Coombe, 2003) In order to function well in these circumstances, nterventions that target resilient functioning are needed to empower the AlDS orphan. The purpose of this study was to document, by means of a literature review and empirical research, the phenomenon of resilience among AlDS orphans. In order to achieve this goal, it was necessary to elucidate the concepts HIV/AIDS, pandemic, impacts of the pandemic on South Africa and its orphans, resilience and empowerment of orphans. The aim of the empirical research was to investigate the phenomenon of resilience among HIVIAIDS orphans by conducting both survey and phenomenological research and to compare the functioning of resilient and non-resilient orphans. Some of the important findings include: South African AlDS orphans face multiple risk; the participants of this study show remarkable resilience in spite of adversity; and the resilient AlDS orphans in this study alluded to several intrapersonal and interpersonal protective factors which contribute to their resilience. The findings were used to generate guidelines for individuals, families, education and community stakeholders who interact with AlDS orphans and wish to intervene meaningfully in order to empower AlDS orphans towards (continued) resilient functioning. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2007.

A total change of culture is happening in the world and the church should take cognizance of it because people's religious experience is not detached from their cultural context. In the light of the changing contemporary culture and new challenges for the ministry, the research question was posed: why is a wellness ministry by AFM pastors in an urban context necessary and what should it entail in the guiding of people towards wellness? The objective of the study is therefore to research a wellness ministry by AFM pastors in an urban context with the aim of proposing a model for such a ministry where people may be guided towards wellness. The study was done by using the practical-theological model of Zerfass as point of departure which comprises the following: - a meta theory where material from other disciplines are studied; - a basis theory where Scriptural perspectives on the topic had been researched; - empirical research by way of interviews with pastors; and - a practice theory where guidelines are proposed for a wellness ministry by AFM pastors in an urban context. In the meta theoretical part of the study it became clear that the circumstances with which people are confronted in the contemporary culture, a change of focus necessitates from a lifestyle of only combating disease to one of promoting wellness. Research has shown that quite a number of wellness models already exist which are being applied in practice. The basis theoretical part of the investigation showed that Scripture provides numerous guidelines with regard to a wellness ministry for the whole person in connection with the body, soul and spirit. The results which surfaced from the empirical study, confirmed the meta- and basis theoretical research. Consequently the practice theory has been formulated from the hermeneutical interaction of the different components of the research in the format of a proposed model. With reference to the research question, central theorical argument and the research reflected in chapters 2 through 5, the final conclusion states that a wellness ministry by AFM pastors in an urban context is necessary and should play an important part in the guiding of people towards wellness. A model where the strategy for such a ministry has been explained, is finally proposed. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Pastoral)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

Grade 7-learners are continuously exposed to challenges that influence their developmental tasks and general social adaptation. Mastering these challenges sculpt the learners and will influence the ways in which learners develop to adults. Through developing and improving the emotional intelligence skills of learners, learners can be enabled to maintain a successful subsistence. Learners with adequate emotional intelligence will demonstrate effective functioning in many areas of life. The aim of this investigation was to determine what emotional intelligence is and how it relates to wellbeing in the early development of adolescents, the state of a certain Grade 7-learner group's emotional intelligence and the relation in terms of race and gender. In the study, 50 learners from the Grade 7-classes of four schools were selected randomly based on availability. The schools involved were Swartruggens Combined School, Swartruggens Primary, Koster Combined School and Koster Primary. The BarOn EQ-i:YV was conducted on the learners. The quantitative data was processed by the Northwest University's Statistical Consultation Services. Results indicate that, amongst other things, the girls in the study posses more adequate emotional intelligence and skills than the boys in the study. Black boys show the least adequate emotional intelligence and skills. Thus, race and gender play an important role in the development of emotional intelligence of the group of learners. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

Exercise gymnasiums equipped for adults, are not really beneficial for the physical development of young children in South-Africa, considering that these children are not allowed, due to the risk of being injured, to exercise freely in such gymnasiums. Staff working at gymnasiums in South-Africa are also not necessarily trained to meet the complex exercise and developmental needs of children. This can cause a negative attitude in children toward physical activity, which can attribute to a sedentary lifestyle and the risks associated therewith. The aims of this study was firstly to determine if the physical activity (PA) levels and physical fitness (PF) of children between the ages of 6 and 13 years will improve as a result of participation in a 5 months (1-4 times/week) health enhancing kinderkinetics program in a gymnasium equipped for adults. The second and third aims of this study were to determine the role of exercise frequency and gender in the self-perception of these children. Data was firstly analysed by means of "Statistica 7 (STAT 06)" for descriptive purposes (means, standard deviation, maximum and minimum values). For analytical purposes, a covariant analysis was done. From this the Partial Eta-Square (Eta2) of the interaction was calculated, and the results were used as a guideline to further analyse the differences. The adapted mean differences of all the PF and self-perception variables between the pre- and post-test of the different frequency groups were determined after adjusting for pre-test differences, gender, physical activity and age. Twenty subjects between the ages of 6- and 13-years (11 girls and 9 boys), whose parents were members of an exercise gymnasium in Potchefstroom and who consented for them to participate, took part in the study. The physical fitness levels were evaluated by means of the "FITNESSGRAM" (Meridith & Welk, 1999) and the physical activity levels by means of a physical activity questionnaire (Rowland, 1990). The Harter scale (Harter, 1985), consisting of 6 subscales was used to determine the self-perception of the children. With regard to the first aim of the study, the results indicated that participation in the program improved PA levels and PF with regards to BMI, sit-ups, push-ups, left and right hip flexibility and trunk flexibility (p<0.05), and that the program can also be beneficial to inactive or overweight children, even if they only exercise once or twice a week. With regard to the second aim of the study the results indicated that a more regular participation in the program had a significant positive effect on the athletic and scholastic components of self-perception, whereas the physical and behavioural components improved the most in the group who exercised only 1-2 times a week. With regard to the third aim of the study the program showed a positive effect on the self-perception of both boys and girls although the effect was different on the various components of self-concept. It can be concluded from the results that participation in such a health enhancing program can benefit children's physical fitness and self-concept and can also contribute to higher physical activity levels. This study should however be seen as a pilot study due to certain limitations and similar studies are therefore recommended to confirm the results / Thesis (M.A. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

Workplace bullying has become the most serious contemporary issue that negatively affects organisations socially and economically. Today organisations are faced with the financial burden associated with high staff turnover, absenteeism, low morale, high medical costs and poor performance resulting from bullying in the workplace. Therefore, organisations are focusing on ways and means to address this particular problem. The aim of the study was to explore the subjective experiences of employees regarding workplace bullying and the response of the employee health and wellness section of the Limpopo provincial Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism. This research was also prompted by the challenges the researcher faced as social worker in the Employee Health and Wellness office of said department. The lack of South African research and literature studies on bullying and the response by the public sector also motivated the researcher to conduct the study. The exploratory paradigm was utilised in this study, since limited information was available on the nature and extent of bullying as well as on the response of Employee Health and Wellness office at a provincial department in the Limpopo province. The qualitative research approach was utilised in this study, and questionnaires were used to collect data needed for the project. A purposive sampling method was used to select suitable respondents for the study. Utilising questionnaires, the researcher interviewed 19 employees who had experienced bullying in the department. The research revealed that all of the respondents in the sample had experienced bullying and received support from the departmental Employee Health and Wellness section. Most respondents had a high regard for employee health and wellness services as means of support to cope during difficult times in their careers. The research findings, however, also indicated that some respondents sought help from outside. The study also revealed that more effort should be focused on implementing employee health and wellness programmes as preventative approach. It is further recommended that employee health and wellness programmes should be pro-actively applied to include educational workshops and awareness programmes on the impact of workplace bullying and its associated economical and psychological implications on both the organisation and the individual in order to prevent it. / Thesis (MSW)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012

The purpose of this thesis is to construct an index of adolescent health and wellness for British Columbia, Canada, using the most recent available data. A three- round Delphi study is used in order to decide on what indicators to include in the index and each indicator’s relative weight. Spatial multi-criteria analysis (MCA) is utilized to combine the indicators into a single measure. The spatial MCA, technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS) method was applied to the adolescent population as a whole and to examine male and female variation. This revealed that adolescent health and wellness is not experienced equally across the province. The Health Service Delivery Areas (HSDAs) Fraser South and Fraser North proved to have the greatest levels of adolescent health and wellness while the Northwest has the least. A rural/ urban gradient in adolescent health and wellness was revealed at the HSDA level. Male and female adolescents also experience health and wellness differently, with females achieving higher health and wellness across all HSDAs in the Province when directly comparing the two genders. The findings of this research are useful in informing discussions of resource allocation for reducing inequalities and inequities and in order to target future research.

The mixed method design examined the impact of a 6-week pedometer based 10,000 moderate-vigorous steps a day employee workplace wellness challenge on aerobic fitness, chronic disease markers, and self-reported physical activity. The study used prompts to both educate and facilitate the intervention. Pre and post-test data analyzed self-report physical activity and sedentary time, sub max aerobic walking levels, and anthropometric measures. Participants logged their step count across the intervention and were challenged to increase their steps throughout. Participants were on average unable to achieve the goal step count and thus no statistically significance was found between pre-post tests. Qualitatively, three themes emerged from discussions with participants about their experiences: awareness of physical activity (PA) levels, demands of both work and family, and the frequency and content of the information given as prompts. The combination of prompts and the pedometer created an awareness of PA levels among participants but failed to fully motivate them to hit their target step count. / Graduate / 0354 / karadelaney_04@hotmail.com