A qualitative analysis of post-traumatic stress disorder experiences at the Slater Coal Mining industry
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Date
2012
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Abstract
This qualitative study investigated the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder within
the mining industry. It further reviewed systems used to manage the same disorder
following a disastrous mining accident in the Slater Coal Mines. There are key challenges
that were reviewed as part of improving diagnosis and management of post-traumatic
stress disorder. Two focus groups consisting of six African mineworkers, working in the
Slater Coal Mines, were conducted. All participants were isiZulu speakers. The data was
analysed using grounded theory, which is a qualitative technique. In using this data
analysis technique, data labelling, open coding, axial coding and selective coding were
the steps that were followed as a guide. Research findings indicated that post-traumatic
stress disorder is prevalent within the mining industry and differs from post-traumatic
stress. Existence of post-traumatic stress disorder was represented by symptoms such as
intrusive thoughts, avoidant behaviours and terror. Further, causes of mining accidents
and accident management measures were the findings. Different work conditions were
implicated in the study as contributing to trauma in the mines in addition to accidents that
happen underground.
Description
Thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2012.
Keywords
Coal mining industry, Post-traumatic stress disorder.