The aim of this research was to establish what black adults' perceptions are of factors that contribute to
healthy family functioning. Qualitative research was conducted. Random sampling was used to obtain
eighteen black participants between the ages of 20 and 50. These participants responded in writing to
the following open ended question: "What factors do you think contribute to healthy family
functioning?" Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with the eight participants who
presented with the richest data. Analysis of the data yielded 10 prevalent themes and eleven other
themes.
The 10 prevalent themes were: respect, love, communication, family time/spending time together,
trust, understanding, discipline, availability for each other, boundaries and religion. The other eleven
themes were: personal space, responsibility, hierarchy, family rules, conflict handling, morality, roles,
maturity, intelligence, culture and forgiveness. The above mentioned 21 themes were grouped in seven
broad categories, namely communication, conflict handling, affectionate involvement, family rules,
boundaries, religion and other dimensions.
All these themes were compared to existing research results. It appeared that themes of this study
correspond with many dimensions of family functioning as indicated by family therapy models and
existing research. Participants also indicated new dimensions not mentioned by the existing literature.
Recommendations were made concerning future research. / Thesis (M.A. (Clinical Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:nwu/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/566 |
| Date | January 2004 |
| Creators | Zwane, Cynthia |
| Publisher | North-West University |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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