Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in the Department of Psychology at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2003. / This study is aimed at exploring the resiliency of a low income, Coloured woman, living and working on a farm in the Winelands region of the Western Cape. Although much research has been undertaken regarding the concept of resilience, the present definitions are vague and do not address the intricacies of the phenomenon. Similarly, there is a paucity of research concerning women, and women of colour, in general. An extensive review of literature is provided, and based on this, criteria are outlined for the selection of a resilient individual. Five research interviews are analyzed using the thematic analysis method. Results indicate that the participant exhibits resilience in the work domain, however, shows numerous vulnerabilities in the relationship domain, particularly with regards to intimacy. The following factors contributed to her resiliency: work, humour, friendships with other women at work, social support, strong family bonds, a close relationship with her aunt, family gatherings, dancing, dressing up, religion, and her inclusion and identification within a particular community. Observations made during the study highlight the fact that low-income women on farms are unable to exercise choice regarding mental health treatment, and rarely have access to psychologists, it is questioned whether or not resiliency is perhaps fostered precisely because of a lack of access to mental health services. Lastly, a recommendation is made that group work could be an effective mental health intervention in the participant's community.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:uzulu/oai:uzspace.unizulu.ac.za:10530/1039 |
| Date | January 2003 |
| Creators | McDonald, Doranne. |
| Contributors | Edwards, S.D. |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | application/pdf |
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