Psychology (Arts)
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- ItemAfrican indigenous methods of health promotion and HIV/AIDS prevention(2006) Dlamini, Busisiwe Precious; Edwards, S.HIV/AIDS is the current century's challenge that stares humanity in the eye. The socio-political, economic, spiritual and philosophical dimensions of our society have to face up to this challenge. This brings one to the conclusion that HIV/AIDS is a national disaster and should be dealt with as such. In other words, interventions geared towards combating this epidemic should address all the spheres mentioned above. The main purpose of this study then was to investigate the role of indigenous healers in combating HIV and AIDS. The rationale for looking at the role of indigenous healers was to ensure that their role is highlighted for a joint effort that is necessary for the advocacy, awareness, education, care and medical intervention which is necessary to combat the HIV/AIDS crisis. This challenge goes as far as involving non-medical professionals and stakeholders in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Focus group interviews and individual interviews were conducted with indigenous healers in the Gauteng and North West provinces. The results were analysed thematically. The results are presented in relation to the questions which were posed. The results reflected that traditional healers have demonstrated that they can make a very important contribution to the treatment of HIV/AIDS. However, they feel that they are not receiving a fair opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in treating HIV and AIDS. They also lack support from the public, from government policy, and from the modem medical fraternity. There have been efforts by the Minister of Health to incorporate traditional healing and traditional medicine as part of a holistic approach to the treatment and containment of HIV. This strengthens holistic health care ensuring the advocacy, awareness, education, care and medical intervention which is necessary to combat the HIV/AIDS crisis. Traditional healers need support and recognition from the public, the government and the modem medical fraternity. It was also evident from the results that the indigenous healers were very willing to co-operate with biomedical practitioners as shown in the statement below. Traditional healers reported that they did not routinely test their patients for HIV as they had no means of doing that. They were legally required to send their patients for testing through modem medical procedures. Most healers also said that they preferred their patients to be checked using modem medicine, and thereafter they would treat them accordingly. This is because they currently relied only on their ancestors to show them when the patient was positive. What is important to note is that these healers said that the disease was not presented to their bones as HIV/AIDS, but that they were only shown the known symptoms of HIV and then were able to deduce that the person was HIV positive.
- ItemAn analysis of bullying within the health care system and its impact on health service delivery(2010) Dlamini, Bongani Innocent; Ngcobo, H.S.B.This research project was undertaken to investigate workplace bullying and its effect on health service delivery. Research participants were drawn from Prince Mshiyeni Memorial and Mosvold Hospitals; the aim was to compare the experiences of public health employees in rural and urban areas of KwaZulu- Natal. The employees have a right to be treated with respect and dignity and, most importantly, to work in a harmonious and supportive environment. Bullying behaviour breaches the employer’s duty under common law to provide a safe and a secure work environment both physically and psychologically. What makes it difficult for managers to manage bullying is that it has no tangible results but it leaves the victim with psychological and emotional problems which lead to anxiety, stress and depression if not properly attended to. The results of this research project further reveal that the majority of bullied employees are reluctant to speak out or end up not reporting the incidences because when they do report problems they believe that they will not be taken seriously. The results also prove that bullying is not a once-off event but a continuous cycle aimed at humiliating and belittling the XVII victim and that it is present in both health institutions. Though many factors were indicated as contributing to bullying, the low–self-esteem and personality factors of the bully were mentioned as the main factors, followed by inadequate training for the managers. If managers are serious about combating bullying in their workplaces they need to be in touch with what their employees go through when they execute their daily duties and they need to devise some means of ensuring that the grievance procedure is adequate and that it caters for bullying problems.
- ItemAn appreciative enquiry into the life orientation program offered in high schools(University of Zululand, 2012) Manzini, Christel Khanyisile Slindile; Msomi-Mbele, P.B.The overall aim of this study was to enquire the effectiveness of the Life Orientation program offered in high schools; i.e. its benefits to its participants. The benefits could be students being able to understand, and accept themselves as unique and worthwhile beings, using skills learnt from the program and display attitudes and values that improve relationships in the family, group, and community. The research question of the study was how effective is the Life Orientation program offered in high schools, i.e. in terms of learner’s ability to meet the curriculum’s critical development outcomes after completion of the program? Life Orientation is the subject that was implemented as part of the Outcomes Based Education. It is an inter-disciplinary subject that is embedded in disciplines of Social Science, Arts, and the Humanities. The intention behind the program is promotion of the holistic development of, e.g. interpersonal skills, values, health, environment and religious education. The research was conducted at the University of Zululand in the Northern KwaZulu Natal province. The research design was qualitative in nature, and appreciative inquiry was used as an investigative tool. The study was conducted with the group of first year students that were registered for the academic year of 2009. Sampling was purposeful as the researcher’s specific criterion for participants were students who have attended the Life Orientation program in high school.
- ItemAn appreciative inquiry into the Zululand mental health community psychology programme(2007) Meyer, Joa; Edwards, S.D.Zululand, the north eastern area of Kwa-Zulu Natal in South Africa is characterized by its diversity in development. This resulted from historical imbalances that were enforced by the Apartheid system and so, typifying South Africa with its unlevelled development. With large parts of the region being underdeveloped, the Zululand Mental Health Community Psychology Programme (ZMHCPP) was formally established in 1994 in response to the high demands for local community psychological services in the area. For the programme to stay updated and effective, constant evaluation is necessary. This will allow the programme to build upon its strengths as well as respond to short comings and new emerging needs. This qualitative study investigated the ZMHCPP from an appreciative perspective. It records valuable aspects of the ZMHCPP and identifies challenges and opportunities for improvement. Findings in this study were guided by relevant stakeholders 7 first hand experiences of the ZMHCPP. Participants' experiences of the ZMHCPP were generally positive. The programme was mainly appreciated for the essential services it provides to the community and the fact that it also indirectly contributes to the profession of Community Psychology by creating opportunities for intern training and research. While the ZMHCPP was appreciated for providing psychological services at affordable rates, the need for funding to secure adequate resources and to sustain itself was expressed. This dilemma highlighted the greatest challenge for the programme. It is hoped that this research project will encourage government and potential donors / sponsors to further realise the value of the programme and provide financial support.
- ItemAn appreciative inquiry of the voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) program of the University of Zululand(2008) Mkhize, Nonhlanhla; Thwala, J.D.Since the surfacing of HIV and AIDS epidemic in South Africa, various programs were implemented in order to educate and prevent the spread of this devastating disease. The Department of Health in South Africa therefore implemented the Voluntary Counseling Testing (VCT) programs across the country in workplaces, tertiary institutions, clinics as well as in hospitals. However in spite of these attempts current studies indicate that the spread of HIV and AIDS is escalated particularly amongst the people between the ages of eighteen and thirty. With so many available VCT sites and centers that provide information about the disease and an opportunity to test for one's sero-status, one would expect not hear such an increase in new HIV/AIDS infections! In view of the above a qualitative study was therefore undertaken to find out from the twenty five students who took part in this study. The aim of the research study is to find from the students who utilize the VCT program services at the University of Zuluiand their experiences about the program, what they appreciate about it and what can be done in order to ensure an efficient service which is in line with the South African HIV/AIDS Strategic Plan 2000 - 2005.
- ItemAn Asset-Based Community Development Initiative for HIV and AIDS Survivors(2010) Venter, Cathrin; Ngcobo, H.S.B.Many communities in South Africa are faced with difficulties which include poverty, violence and lack of resources. HIV and AIDS add to this burden. Although many families, organizations, and government try to help, resources are never enough to fill all the gaps. However, there are many untapped resources within the communities; many people with gifts, talents, and other assets that go unnoticed and therefore unavailable. Studies have shown that the involvement of community members in community development activities improves the chances of the development initiatives of being sustainable and less fragmented (Bouwer, 2008). The current study firstly focused on assessing whether Asset-Based Community Development as a community development method is able to tap into those unutilized and undeveloped assets. Secondly, whether it is able to provide a more empowering and sustainable answer to the needs of people in communities where HIV and AIDS is prevalent. In light of the above, Sinosizo, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), stated their willingness to form part of the Asset-Based Community Development project. The community of Sundwini in the Amanzimtoti area was selected as the target community for the current research project because it has the least resources among the six communities assisted by Sinosizo. In response to the growing needs and difficulties faced by people living with HIV and AIDS and their families, Sinosizo Home Based Care (HBC) was established in 1995. They also form part of the Durban Aids Care Commission (CADACC). The current research included a preliminary study, an Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) initiative, and an evaluation of the development process. The use of Community- Based Participatory Research (CBPR) was considered to be the appropriate method to use for this study and focus group discussions as a qualitative research method were used to gather the necessary data for the current study. A thematic analysis technique was used to analyze the data. The results indicated that the community and its members did indeed benefit from the Asset-Based Community Development process. The ABCD process allowed the participants to critically reflect on several aspects of community development in general and Asset-Based Community Development in particular. The community members initially thought that their community was one of the poorest communities with very limited or no resources; however their perception changed to an awareness that all communities and people have skills, gifts, assets, and resources that can contribute to community development. Apart from recognizing the assets, the community was also able to utilize the assets, making the community more self sufficient. Rather than being solely dependent on the well-meaning efforts from government and organizations outside of the community, they realized that they could take an initiative and draw from their own strength. This did not mean that outside help was of no value, but rather that the valuable resources could be allocated where needs in the community were critical. Despite several barriers experienced during the process, the Asset-Based Community Development process has shown itself as a flexible process and took into consideration the unique character of the community. The participants were also able to identify possible solutions to the barriers they identified.
- ItemAssociations between personal attributes and compassion fatigue, compassion satisfaction and burnout among caregivers of people living with HIV and Aids(2011) Graaf, Patricia Maureen; Ngcobo, H.S.B.; Dhlomo-Sibiya, R.M.; Thwala, J.D.Compassion fatigue and burnout have the potential to compromise the ability of caregivers to work effectively, while compassion satisfaction may serve a protective function. This study investigated levels of compassion fatigue, burnout and compassion satisfaction among caregivers, and explored relationships between these and caregivers’ personal attributes. Eighty-three caregivers working in the field of HIV and AIDS in the uMngeni Municipality in the Kwa Zulu-Natal midlands completed two self-report questionnaires, the Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL, Stamm, 2009), and another regarding their personal attributes. Respondents showed an overall pattern of relatively high Compassion Satisfaction, average level of Burnout, and a very high level of Secondary Traumatic Stress, a profile usually associated with people working in situations of armed conflict. Compassion Satisfaction was negatively correlated with Burnout and Secondary Traumatic Stress, while Burnout was positively correlated with Secondary Traumatic Stress. Significant effects were found with the following personal attributes: (1) gender; (2) role clarity; (3) perceived efficacy; (4) secondary stigma; (5) social support; (6) personal history of HIV or AIDS; (7) access to counselling or therapy; (8) organisational support; and (9) self-care. Implications of these findings are discussed with reference to sustainable care, intervention and further research.
- ItemThe attitudes and perceptions of the University of Zululand students towards rape victims(2007) Magwaza, Ntombintombi Judith; Thwala, J.D.Recent studies in South Africa have shown alarming scores of crimes committed against women in all sectors of the society. Rape in particular, is among the highest forms of crime experienced by institutions of higher learning. Attitudes towards rape victims have been found to play a major role in influencing the high number of rape incidents. The present study seeks to investigate the attitudes of the University of Zululand students towards rape victims with an aim of designing programmes that would assist in improving their negative attitudes towards rape victims and reinforce positive attitudes. One hundred and fifty students participated in the study. There were Black, Coloured, Indian and White students who participated in the study. The age range of the participants was 18 and above. Thirty participants were randomly chosen from each of the five faculties namely: Arts, Commerce, Education, Law and Science and Agriculture. The Attitude Toward Rape Victim Scale (ARVS) designed and implemented by Ward (1988) was given to each student participant. More males than females displayed negative attitudes towards rape victims. Younger participants were to be more sensitive towards rape victims. Different faculties had no significant bearing to the attitudes of students towards the victims of sex crime, except with regard to their views concerning women who have had prior sexual relations and women who are raped while accepting rides from strangers. The overall results from the study indicated a positive attitude (i.e.. support) towards the rape victims.
- ItemThe attitudes of adolescents, parents and grandparents towards adolescent problems in a rapidly changing society(1988) Nyembe, Boy Timothy; Edwards, S.D.; Nene, L.M.The researcher's aim in this study was to identify and compare the attitudes of adolescents, parents and grandparents towards three adolescent problem variables. The researcher's point of departure was to review relevant literature on the generation gap phenomenon, adolescent premarital sexual relations, delinquent behaviour and the use of alcoholic beverages. A. Likert-type scale was constructed to measure the attitudes of adolescents, parents and grandparents towards adolescent premarital sexual relations) delinquent behaviour and use of alcoholic beverages. Three samples comprising 30 adolescents, 30 parents and 30 grandparents were randomly selected from the seven wards/ sections of the 42 Hill Location, Harrismith. Respondents were from the Zulu, South-Sotho, Tswana .and Xhosa ethnic groups. Illiterate and educated subjects were included in the study. The t-test and Chi-Square (ifi test results highlighted significant differences between the attitudes of adolescents and parents towards premarital sexual relations. The differences between the attitudes of adolescents and those of grandparents towards this variable were also significant:. The attitudes of parents and grandparents towards premarital sexual relations were not significantly different. These findings tended to support previous research studies which stated that parents and grandparents were traditionally more conservative in their attitude towards sexuality than were adolescents. Modern adolescents who lived in a society where sex was discussed more openly seemed to feel that they should engage in premarital sexual relations. It seemed the generation gap between adolescents and parents,and to a greater extent between adolescent and grandparent, had increased. Results indicated insignificant differences between the attitudes of adolescents, parents and grandparents towards adolescent delinquent behaviour. All three generations seemed to agree that modern adolescents acquired much information from their friends. In a modern rapidly changing South African society, traditional authority seemed to have lost most of its impact on the adolescent's bahaviour. Adolescents seemed to believe that parents had failed to change the socio¬political situation hence they had to take the lead. Parents themselves seemed to be puzzled and confused by the rapidly changing, contemporary, technocratic and violently divided society. Significant differences between the adolescent and parent attitudes and between adolescent and grandparent attitudes towards adolescent use of alcoholic beverages were indicated in this study. The insignificant differences between the attitudes of parents and grandparents towards this variable seemed to indicate that parents and grandparents were against adolescent use of alcoholic beverages. On the other hand, adolescents seemed to feel that they should indulge in drinking alcoholic beverages. In the modern South African society, adolescents saw liquor advertised on television and in literature and thus indulged in drinking alcoholic beverages. It was recommended that whatever the desired politico-social change, both parents and adolescents could be made aware that communication and dialogue between them are a sine-qua-non towards the solution and alleviation of their problems. Parents may be motivated to discuss with adolescents their views and feelings about premarital sexual relations and vice versa. The dialogue could be encouraged in public meetings, seminars, on television and radio. Parents could be encouraged to listen to the views of adolescents in order to guide them. Parents may be made to accept the fact that adolescents live during a time and in a society where they may express both their positive and negative opinions regarding certain issues. Community programmes such as therapeutic groups, youth clubs and recreation clubs could provide adolescents with an opportunity of expressing their views, developing their social skills and improving relationships with others. Information concerning problems that are associated with the use of alcoholic beverages could be made available to adolescents during the discussions and advertisements. The aim could be to assist adolescents to cope with problems and to feel happy without indulging in drinking alcoholic beverages.
- ItemThe attitudes of educators in the mainstream school towards inclusion of learners with special needs(2002) Williams, Samantha; Makunga, N.V.To provide equal access to education, it is required that children be placed in the least restrictive environment that will promote their academic and social development. Schools are therefore integrating learners with special education needs (LSEN) from segregated special education settings into mainstream schools. Educators play a crucial role in the integration process, thus knowledge of their attitudes is important. The study focuses on the attitudes of educators towards LSEN and the attitudes of educators towards the integration of LSEN into mainstream schools. A study of the literature was undertaken and guided by those insights a questionnaire was drawn up. This was distributed to educators and the information was statistically analyzed and presented. The questionnaire consisted of scales that measured attitudes. The relationship of educator attitudes to such educator variables as age, gender and experience in education was examined. The study revealed that educators hold favourable attitudes to both LSEN and the integration of LSEN into the mainstream. It was also found that male educators hold more favourable attitudes than female educators. Educator variables, age and number of years teaching experience were found to not significantly effect attitudes. Results from this study will enable programmes and policy implementation and development concerning the integration process of LSEN into the mainstream environment.
- ItemAttitudes of high school learners towards sexuality education in Zululand(2008) Myeza, Nonhlanhla Patience; Edwards, S.D.With the constant rise of HIV/AIDS and pregnancies amongst teenagers in South Africa, it is important for research to investigate and evaluate attitudes held by teenagers towards their sexuality education. This research study examined teenagers attitudes towards sexuality education with a questionnaire, eliciting both quantitative and qualitative data, which was administered in two schools, one urban and one rural, to 200 participants whose ages ranged from 12to 20 years. The findings indicated that learners held generally positive attitudes towards sexuality education, with female and urban learners holding significantly more positive attitudes than male and rural learners respectively. Learners indicated that the sexuality programme provide valuable information especially with regard to their own bodies and self-respect. They were of the opinion that teenage pregnancy and HIV/AIDS could be prevented through abstinence, condom and contraceptive use, parental involvement, stopping grants for teenage pregnancy, promoting virginity, masturbation the use of sex toys. Finally they thought that sexuality education could be improved parents and teachers telling the truth, through the teaching of values and morals and by making the subject more practical, prominent in churches. Discussion is concerned with findings and recommendations which are of special relevance in the South African context.
- ItemAttitudes of Medical laboratory employees towards their work environment.(University of Zululand, 2004) Kolosa, Irene, Nokulunga; Sibaya, P.T.; Edwards, S.DThis study investigated the attitudes of the medical laboratory employees (MLE's) towards their work environment. The study determined from the employees whether variables of gender, age, qualifications and years of experience had influence on the attitudes of the MLE's towards their work environment. The sample was drawn from the State Pathology Laboratory in Umtata, Eastern Cape (under the O.R.Tambo District Council). It consisted of males and females with ages ranging from 20 to 64 years, qualifications ranging from standard 10 to B.Tech. Biomedical Technology and above, years of experience ranging from 1 year to 30 years. A structured questionnaire constructed according to a five-point scale, the Likert scale, was used to collect data from the subjects. The statistical technique used to test the hypotheses was the Cm-square. The results showed that the majority of MLE's held negative attitudes towards their work environment. The two sections of response categories reflected a weak relationship between the variables ofj gender, age, level of qualification and experience in the attitudes of the MLE's towards their work environment. Although not overwhelmingly demonstrated, there was a presumptive evidence that the work environment had an impact on the attitudes of the MLE's. There was an urgent need for improvement of certain service conditions in the medical laboratory to change the attitudes of the MLE's. Lack of fulfillment and inspiration could make the MLE's lose interest and abandon the profession as was confirmed by the informal interviews.
- ItemThe attitudes of midwives towards legalized termination of pregnancy at public and private hospitals in Empangeni(2008) Miya, Michael Sithembiso; Thwala, J.D.Attitudes determine commitment in their broad sense, though this is rarely understood in this fashion. An abortion decision is influenced by many factors that eventually lead to such a decision just to mention a few; general health of the mother, rape, occupational status of the expectant mother and the pressure from the society. Termination of pregnancy is sometimes if not most incongruent with one's belief and morale. Midwives as trained individuals to care for the needs of the patients who want to abortion have to step over their moral judgement and provide the service (abortion). In the recent past some reports on service delivery (abortion) stated challenges that midwives face within their health institutions, as well the pressure from the general public of South Africa expressing genuine opposition to termination of pregnancy policy, times do change together with the mentally and stereotypes closely attached to termination of pregnancy, although the reproductive policies are a sensitive issue in most countries. The study focuses on the attitudes of the midwives toward termination of pregnancy and it explores the difference on attitude between public and private hospitals. The findings of the study suggest that there is difference on attitude with regards to termination of pregnancy, amongst the midwives in public and private hospitals, this discrepancy also exist amongst senior midwives compared to junior midwives. There are however, a number of reasons for this, but the obvious one maybe that senior midwives have reached self actualization in their careers and view the professional duties beyond egocentric needs and morale, and this facilitate the expected role of the health service providers, which is to cater for the needs of the desperate public.
- ItemAttitudes of parents towards their mentally retarded children: a rural area examination(2002) Govender, Nancy; Makunga, N.V.This study examined attitudes of parents towards their mentally retarded children in rural areas of Zululand. The study sample was obtained from a local hospital, a clinic and a special school for the mentally retarded in the Zululand area. The findings of this study revealed that parents in rural areas of Zululand have positive attitudes towards their mentally retarded children. There were no differences between the attitudes of mothers and fathers with both parents having more positive attitudes. This study further revealed that parents in rural areas of Zululand loved and accepted their mentally retarded children. However, the majority of parents were found to be disappointed by having a mentally retarded child and expressed feelings of embarrassment. In the light of these findings further research areas is recommended with the aim of using such information to build appropriate and successful rehabilitation and intervention programs for mentally retarded children and their parents.
- ItemAttitudes of students towards individuals with HIV/AIDS : an investigation on the University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa campus(2001) Nyawose, Gugu.; Makunga, N.V.The need to carry out research on attitudes towards people with HIV/AIDS stems from a concern about the increasing hostility and prejudice towards people with HIV/AIDS. The main purpose of this study was to examine the attitudes of tertiary education students towards people with HIV/AIDS. The study also intended to astain whether there are any gender difference in attitude of the sample towards individuals with HIV/AIDS. The questionnaire was administered to 286 students that were attending the University of Zululand. Likert Scale was used to measure the attitudes. The findings of the study was that the general attitude of students of Zululand University towards people with H1V7AIDS was positive. Another finding was that there were no differences between males and females attitude towards people with HTV/A1DS.
- ItemThe attitudes of Zululand University academics towards immigrants(2000) Matshazi, Vusi.; Edwards, S.D.; Sibaya, P.T.South Africa has the most restrictive attitudes towards immigration and immigrants of any country that has been surveyed in the world (Mattes, McDonald, Poore Richmond 1999)). There are an estimated ten to fifteen million immigrants in South Africa (Buthelezi 1996). Immigrants are generally seen as a threat to jobs and houses and are often accused of committing crime. There were rumors of racism and xenophobia at the University of Zululand to which the Rector published a circular denouncing such attitudes. To determine whether there was xenophobia at me University of Zululand, questionnaires were sent to South African Lectures, asking them about their attitudes towards immigrants. Twenty-two Lectures responded to the questionnaires. Total scores and mean scores were calculated. Scores tailing below the mean indicated negative attitudes, while those felling above the mean indicated positive attitudes. Unlike studies by Mattes et all (1999), Smedley (1977) and Matshazi (1997), where South Africans were found to have negative attitudes towards immigrants, lecturers at the University of Zululand were generally found to have positive attitudes towards immigrants.
- ItemAutogenic Training (AT) for reducing anxiety and promoting psychological well-being(2006) Hurgobin, Shalini; Edwards, S.D.The present study investigated the effectiveness of Autogenic Training (AT), a relaxation technique, as a preventive measure against anxiety and as a technique to promote psychological well-being among students from the University of Zululand. Previous studies have shown that anxiety was prevalent among students on this campus. It was hypothesised that AT would decrease anxiety and increase psychological well-being. A convenience sample and matched group design was used and it included an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group consisted of 11 postgraduate psychology students who received AT weekly for a period of 10 weeks. The control group comprised of a friend of each participant in the experimental group. Questionnaires, the Beck Anxiety Inventory and the Scales of Psychological Weil-being, were administered to both groups prior to and immediately after the 10 weeks intervention. At the end of the study, participants from the experimental group were asked about their subjective experiences of AT and its benefits. The impact of AT was assessed by the difference in anxiety levels and psychological well-being before and after the intervention. Data from the questionnaires were analysed quantitatively using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Participants' evaluations of their subjective experiences of AT were studied qualitatively. The results of the study showed a significant reduction in anxiety within the experimental group over time. In addition, there were significant increases in Total psychological well-being and Environmental Mastery within the same group over time. On the other hand, between groups comparisons indicated that the participants receiving AT showed a statistically significant improvement in the subscale Positive Relations With Others. The experimental group also reported additional benefits. These included improved sleep, a feeling of being in control, increased energy levels, clarity of thoughts, better control over emotions, deeper relaxation and improved self-awareness. This study suggests AT as an effective self-help tool and coping mechanism. It is strongly recommended that the students and people in general make AT part of their mental health promotion life-style and use it to ward off anxiety.
- ItemBereaved employees in organisations: managers and co-workers responsibility(2009) Shange, Lindiwe O.; Makunga, N.V.This study which sought to understand the psychological wellbeing of bereaved employees and the support they receive within their working environment used a convenient sample of 209 participants that included bereaved employees, managers, supervisors and human resource officers from various organisations in the province of Kwa Zulu-Natal. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were utilized in this study. Findings showed that: (a) At times bereaved employees were not well supported when resuming work after the funeral. (b) Support offered before the funeral was sufficiently adequate in the majority of Organisations but still warrants improvement. (c) Some bereaved employees who developed complicated grief did not receive adequate psychological intervention that they deserve. (d) Mostly feelings of disturbances interfered with job performance. (e) The current Family Responsibility leave was inadequate for those bereaved employees whose culture demanded more days to cope with bereavement rituals. (f) The Employment Assistance Programmes that most organisations depend on were largely ineffective in dealing with bereaved employees who need counselling or psychotherapy. The implication of the findings pointed to a need for organisations to have clear bereavement policies and support programmes for bereaved employees.
- ItemA career guidance counselling and assessment programme for disadvantaged high schools, in the case of the Eastern Cape, in South Africa(University of Zululand, 2019) Rungqu, Nokhanyo MarylinThe study is a career assessment and counselling programme for disadvantaged high schools in the Eastern Cape Province, in South Africa. The specific aim was to guide learners through a process of career exploration in order to make appropriate career choices and plans. The sample consisted of 90 blacks, 1 coloured and 2 Indians from selected schools in the Eastern Cape Province. The main objectives were to formulate a career assessment and counselling programme, as an ongoing process of change, and not as an event, to empower disadvantaged students through their participation in the process; to nurture learning through engendering a tolerance of mistakes and differences in ideas, and to provide opportunities for the development of all. Using a qualitative research design, self-administered questionnaires were distributed to respondents. A convenient/purposive, non-probability sampling procedure was utilised. Descriptive statistics were used to to analyse demographic data, including frequencies and percentages. Qualitative data, obtained from open-ended questions of the survey questionnaire, were content analysed to identify the main themes. Nine themes were identified. The results showed that many disadvantaged high schools did not have educators who were qualified in career guidance issues. Furthermore, there was a lack of governmental support in career guidance in disadvantaged schools. Additionally, there was a lack of equipment and funding required in career guidance. It has been indicated that the use of psychologists and x psychometric assessment in career assessment will improve the quality of career guidance. It can be concluded that many disadvantaged and poor schools do not have educators who are qualified in career guidance issues. Disadvantaged schools do not have adequate resources such as money to pay qualified professionals to help learners in making optimised and better career decisions. The South African government is not supportive of these disadvantaged schools. Learners continue to be ignorant as far as career guidance issues are concerned. Many students are not aware of the benefits of counselling.
- ItemChanging self-perceptions in mathematics anxiety(1993) Mashego, Teresa-Anne Bagakilwe.; van Staden, B.J.In this study difficulties relating to mathematics problem solving were linked to the way people see themselves as problem solvers. Following this line of reasoning, Mathematics anxiety is viewed as a product of the student's distorted perception of his/her ability to do mathematics. It was further argued that negative beliefs about oneself were at the root of poor performance in mathematics problem solving. A cognitive restructuring method designed to change such distorted perceptions, and a subsequent change of behaviour was explored. On the basis of the promising results of this study, a recommendation is made that students with mathematics anxiety should be identified early and advised to seek psychological help before they lose hope completely.