Evaluation of psychological intervention programs for children with behavoural and emotional problems in schools of industries in the Ukhahlamba Region
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Date
2004
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Abstract
The general aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the psychological intervention programs in the two schools of industries (SOf's) namely, Mimosadafe and Newcastle Schools of Industries. A third school, Bersig SOI was used for piloting the study and the results were incorporated in the main study findings.
Twenty-seven educators, one social worker and one consulting clinical psychologist, and sixty-one learners participated in the study. The major findings of the study were as follows: the psychological intervention programs at SOI's are ineffective; learners are benefiting only partially by being at SOI's. According to educators, learners are benefiting partially because they bunk classes, reconstruction social workers are not supportive, Department of Education is not supportive, no follow up programs for learners post-SOl, emphasis is placed only on structure - not therapeutic programs. Only 15% of educators were found to be adequately trained to teach at SOI. Although psychological intervention programs exist at SOI's, they are not structured and they are only administered on a need-to-basis (reactive rather than proactive/preventive). Intervention strategies used at SOI's are based on individualistic, reactive, traditional mainstream psychology that is based on a disease/medical model.
Based on these findings, the current study suggested a change of intervention strategies at these schools into strategies based on community psychological methods of intervention, ft was also suggested that the non-mental health professionals e.g. teachers and house parents should be involved in conducting psychological intervention. To be equal to this challenge these non-professionals should be trained.
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Community Psychology in the Department of Psychology at the University of Zululand, 2004.
Keywords
Trade schools--South Africa--Ukhahlamba Region., Problem children--Mental health services--Rating of., Problem children--Behavior modification., Psychological intervention programs