Browsing by Author "Tshabalala, Phumelele Ritta"
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- ItemIssues of disclosure in relation to HIV and AIDS(2007) Tshabalala, Phumelele Ritta; Dhlomo-Sibiya, R.M.The major aim of the study was to determine whether broad-based initiatives, such as community based stigma reduction intervention programmes (later) based on the findings of the study, could have an impact on the uptake of HIV-testing and disclosure rate. The total sample comprised of 15 females and 15 males that were chosen from one of the support groups based at one of the selected Hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal Province. With the assistance of the hospital officials, the researcher was able to use the purposive sampling technique in selecting the respondents. From the themes, it became evident that people living with HIV and AIDS are faced with an important dilemma regarding whether or not they should reveal the HIV-positive status to significant others, in-depth interviews with the focus groups produced the following themes as accounts of emotional observations: isolation, social stigma, anger, revenge and depression. In the light of the findings of the study, a need arose for the establishment of an intervention programme aimed at addressing the common barriers associated with HIV disclosure. Community Psychology in particular, played a major role in shaping this study because of its action focus on groups.
- ItemPersonality dynamics of sexual offenders(2004) Tshabalala, Phumelele Ritta; Dhlomo-Sibiya, R.M.This is an exploratory study aimed at uncovering the personality dynamics of sexual offenders at Qalakabusha prison hi Empangeni. Various theories were reviewed in relation to the present study. The study was earned out focusing on the offenders who have been convicted for committing rape. With the assistance of officials at Qalakabusha prison, the researcher was able to use the purposive sampling technique hi selecting the respondents. Data was collected hi a series of individual interviews. In addition, the researcher also administered the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory Test (MCMl-IJI) and the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) to assess the personality dynamics of sexual offenders. From the themes that emerged from the oral interviews with the research participants, it became evident that many beliefs about rape exists in the form of myths. It also became evident from the personality tests administered, as well as from the themes that emerged from the oral interviews, that through the process of socialization, males are taught to be strong, aggressive and sexually assertive. Females are taught to be submissive, passive and weak. Spurred on by this, males may resort to rape as a method of showing their power over women. The elevations from the MCMI-III suggest that the personality dynamics of sexual offenders is characterized by delusional disorder. Clinical syndromes that were devoted were alcohol dependence, anxiety, somatoform and dysthymia with basic aggressive and antisocial, schizoid, avoidant and depressive, personality patterns. They are also dominated by schizotypal and paranoid personality pathology. It was interesting to note similarities between the themes that emerge from the oval interviews and the scales that were elevated on the MCMI-III Test. These were aggressive outbursts and poor social relations. With regard to the TAT test, the participant's mood and tone were characterized by hesitancy, uncertainty, conflicted anxiety, guilt and self contemptuous. The main hero was an initiator (man), who was powerful. The main theme was that of anger towards females. Similarities also existed between the themes that emerged from the oval interviews and the TAT test administered. In both these, women were perceived as objects to be exploited, and their main needs were those of dominance, sex, aggression and recognition. The study then made the following recommendations: "There is a need for educational programs and public campaigns aimed at reducing the vulnerability to crime in all communities around South Africa, as well as rehabilitation programs, since the research has revealed some of the personality dynamics of sexual offenders. Such programmes would be cost effective and will help to reduce the cost of court hearings, should the offender be brought to trial. Incarceration of the offender whether in state hospital or prison, poses financial burden to the taxpayers. It is also recommended that there is a need for a co-ordinated effort and assistance of the diverse organizations and institutions such as prisons, business, trade unions, welfare agencies, NGO's. schools, and religious organizations to work together in combating crime in South Africa. While less research has been conducted on male rape. This study recommended future research on male (victim) rape, since males also experience the many reactions that females experience (National Victim Center, 1991). In the light of the above recommendations, the study concluded that rape is a crime that not only needs to be prevented but once committed, the involvement of a number of individuals, groups and organizations is needed to resolve the consequences it generates. The research also concluded that the present study made valuable contribution to our understanding of the world of the sexual offenders and was a success despite a few limitations. The understanding of the personality dynamics of sexual offenders through interviews and psychological tests, has indeed formed the basis for the development of an effective integrated prevention program at all levels, i.e. primary (preventing incidence). secondary (preventing prevalence) and tertian' levels (rehabilitation).
- ItemWrittings of sexually abused children : an important source of disclosure(2002) Tshabalala, Phumelele Ritta; Makunga, N.V.The purpose of this study was to explore and uncover the levels of stress and emotional difficulties of victims of sexual abuse through their written narratives. The study involved five females who had been recently sexually abused and had sought assistance at the Empangeni Crisis Centre. In the present study, the researcher used purposive sampling in selecting the research respondents. Data was collected in a series of individual interviews during which individual assessments were also done. All interviews with the subjects were conducted in Zulu in order to avoid any misunderstanding. Qualitative data analysis was used to analyze the thematic content of the narratives to uncover the themes, attitudes, fears and hopes. The following conclusions were drawn from the study: • The written narratives of sexually abused children proved to be an important and a rich source of understanding the experiences of victims of sexual abuse. • Thoughts and feelings experienced by the research respondents including amongst others, loss of trust, anger, guilt, hatred, depression, helplessness and loss of self- esteem are not different from those expressed by individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder. Most participants in this research were victims of incest. This finding confirms the work of Nevid et al., (2000) that the great majority .of assailants had some prior relationship with the child. The present study strongly implicates abuse by a parent figure, a factor also supported by the findings of Cahill, Llewelyn and Pearson (1991). In the light of the above-findings, the researcher recommends that a great deal of research is needed to enable us to understand the mechanism, processes, conditions and the many other variables in operation in the development of the kinds of problems which have been identified in children who are victims of sexual abuse.