A post restucturing assessment of employee attitudes in South African National Science Council
- Authors: Bugaari, Lynn
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Job enrichment , Employees -- Attitudes , Employee morale , Performance standards
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9945 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013702
- Description: Research problem: The restructuring of an organisation can be classified as a transformational intervention (Litwin & Burke, 1992). As such is it has a potential to significantly influence key employee attitudes that are related to employee and organisational performance. Any deterioration in these attitudes could impact negatively on organisational outcomes. As part of the monitoring and review of change interventions, management needs to understand the change in employee attitudes towards their work and management in their business units and towards the broader organisation in order that, if necessary, corrective action can be taken. Research objectives: To address the research problem, research objectives and questions were established. The main objective of the study was to investigate whether there has been a change in attitudes of employees in two business units of a South African National Science Council after the implementation of restructuring in the organisation and the business units. The key attitudes to be measured are job and management satisfaction, perceived organisational support, organisational commitment and a dimension of employee engagement, dedication. Research questions: Four research questions were established and these were; What is the change in employee attitudes post-restructuring? In particular what is the change in employee job satisfaction; management satisfaction, employee engagement, commitment to the organisation and perceived organisational support? What is the relationship between the sub-groups, distinguished by gender, occupational level, race, home language, age, number of years of service and business unit, and employee attitudes pre-restructuring? What is the relationship between the sub-groups distinguished by gender, occupational level, race, home language, age, number of years of service and business unit, and employee attitudes post-restructuring? What is the relationship between the sub-groups distinguished by gender, occupational level, race, home language, age, number of years of service and business unit, and the change in employee attitudes pre and post-restructuring? Research design: The nature of this research is descriptive. In order to solve the research questions the researcher used a pre-test and post-test measurement of employee attitudes. A survey using a structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information regarding employee attitudes before and after the restructuring of the organisation and business units. Major findings: The results from the survey showed that there was a change in the levels of organisational commitment, job satisfaction and management satisfaction at the National Science Council after the restructuring had taken place. Also, the impact of the sub-groups in the organisation on affective factors was evident in the level of occupation and employee engagement, race and management satisfaction, the business unit and the levels of perceived organisational support, management satisfaction and employee engagement, home language and employee engagement, the number of years the employee had worked for the organisation and management satisfaction, age and job satisfaction and employee engagement.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Bugaari, Lynn
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Job enrichment , Employees -- Attitudes , Employee morale , Performance standards
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9945 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013702
- Description: Research problem: The restructuring of an organisation can be classified as a transformational intervention (Litwin & Burke, 1992). As such is it has a potential to significantly influence key employee attitudes that are related to employee and organisational performance. Any deterioration in these attitudes could impact negatively on organisational outcomes. As part of the monitoring and review of change interventions, management needs to understand the change in employee attitudes towards their work and management in their business units and towards the broader organisation in order that, if necessary, corrective action can be taken. Research objectives: To address the research problem, research objectives and questions were established. The main objective of the study was to investigate whether there has been a change in attitudes of employees in two business units of a South African National Science Council after the implementation of restructuring in the organisation and the business units. The key attitudes to be measured are job and management satisfaction, perceived organisational support, organisational commitment and a dimension of employee engagement, dedication. Research questions: Four research questions were established and these were; What is the change in employee attitudes post-restructuring? In particular what is the change in employee job satisfaction; management satisfaction, employee engagement, commitment to the organisation and perceived organisational support? What is the relationship between the sub-groups, distinguished by gender, occupational level, race, home language, age, number of years of service and business unit, and employee attitudes pre-restructuring? What is the relationship between the sub-groups distinguished by gender, occupational level, race, home language, age, number of years of service and business unit, and employee attitudes post-restructuring? What is the relationship between the sub-groups distinguished by gender, occupational level, race, home language, age, number of years of service and business unit, and the change in employee attitudes pre and post-restructuring? Research design: The nature of this research is descriptive. In order to solve the research questions the researcher used a pre-test and post-test measurement of employee attitudes. A survey using a structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information regarding employee attitudes before and after the restructuring of the organisation and business units. Major findings: The results from the survey showed that there was a change in the levels of organisational commitment, job satisfaction and management satisfaction at the National Science Council after the restructuring had taken place. Also, the impact of the sub-groups in the organisation on affective factors was evident in the level of occupation and employee engagement, race and management satisfaction, the business unit and the levels of perceived organisational support, management satisfaction and employee engagement, home language and employee engagement, the number of years the employee had worked for the organisation and management satisfaction, age and job satisfaction and employee engagement.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
A psychobiographical study of John Winston Lennon
- Authors: Kitching, Philip Herman
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Lennon, John, 1940-1980 , Psychology -- Biographical methods , Musicians
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9915 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1010847 , Lennon, John, 1940-1980 , Psychology -- Biographical methods , Musicians
- Description: Psychobiography can be viewed as the re-writing of an individual’s life story previously undetected. In general it consists of a combination of two central elements: biography and psychological theory that aim to explain the particular individual’s psychological development. This particular study serves to explore the extraordinary life of renowned singer, songwriter, artist and activist, John Winston Lennon (1940-1980). The basis for this investigation will take the form of notable biographical accounts of the subject’s life, together with Austrian psychiatrist Alfred Adler’s (1938) theory of Individual Psychology, which recognizes the importance of human society for the development of individual character and the orientation of every single action and emotion in the life of a human being. Adler’s theory further explores that the main motives of human thought and behaviour are an individual’s striving for superiority and power, partly in compensation for his feeling of inferiority. The psychobiographical data collection and analysis for this research thesis will be guided by Yin’s (1994) theory of ‘analytic generalisation’, which uses a theoretical framework in selecting relevant data which develops a matrix as a descriptive framework for organizing and integrating that data, and Alexander’s (1988) analytical model which focuses on lifting out themes through principal identifiers of salience was used and applied. John Winston Lennon expressed his personal experiences and ideals through his songs and became the spokesman for his generation on modern day issues such as feminism and world peace. It is however, unfortunate that Lennon throughout his life remained a boy who felt rejected and unloved by his parents and strove to be superior in all aspects of his rich life in an attempt to acquire the love and acceptance that was not bestowed on him as a child.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Kitching, Philip Herman
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Lennon, John, 1940-1980 , Psychology -- Biographical methods , Musicians
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9915 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1010847 , Lennon, John, 1940-1980 , Psychology -- Biographical methods , Musicians
- Description: Psychobiography can be viewed as the re-writing of an individual’s life story previously undetected. In general it consists of a combination of two central elements: biography and psychological theory that aim to explain the particular individual’s psychological development. This particular study serves to explore the extraordinary life of renowned singer, songwriter, artist and activist, John Winston Lennon (1940-1980). The basis for this investigation will take the form of notable biographical accounts of the subject’s life, together with Austrian psychiatrist Alfred Adler’s (1938) theory of Individual Psychology, which recognizes the importance of human society for the development of individual character and the orientation of every single action and emotion in the life of a human being. Adler’s theory further explores that the main motives of human thought and behaviour are an individual’s striving for superiority and power, partly in compensation for his feeling of inferiority. The psychobiographical data collection and analysis for this research thesis will be guided by Yin’s (1994) theory of ‘analytic generalisation’, which uses a theoretical framework in selecting relevant data which develops a matrix as a descriptive framework for organizing and integrating that data, and Alexander’s (1988) analytical model which focuses on lifting out themes through principal identifiers of salience was used and applied. John Winston Lennon expressed his personal experiences and ideals through his songs and became the spokesman for his generation on modern day issues such as feminism and world peace. It is however, unfortunate that Lennon throughout his life remained a boy who felt rejected and unloved by his parents and strove to be superior in all aspects of his rich life in an attempt to acquire the love and acceptance that was not bestowed on him as a child.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
A psychobiography of Friedrich Nietzsche
- Authors: Booysen, Duane Danny-Coe
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Nietzsche, Friedrich Wilhelm, 1844-1900 , Philosophers -- Germany -- Biography
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9943 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013191
- Description: The primary aim of this psychobiography was to examine Friedrich Nietzsche’s life by utilizing Carl Rogers’ theory of the fully functioning person. Friedrich Nietzsche (1844 - 1900) has become an iconic figure in German philosophy and literature. Nietzsche’s criticism of western morality and culture led him to believe that humankind was not living to its highest potential and consequently Nietzsche sought after a life of self-becoming. Nietzsche’s philosophy has influenced various people such as Viktor Frankl, DH Lawrence, Michel Foucault and NP van Wyk Louw. Nietzsche was chosen as the research subject because of personal interest, his prominence as a philosopher, and because of his ambition to live a meaningful life. Psychobiographical research with the use of psychological theory allows for the exploration and description of the life of an individual. This significant area of research involving the application of psychological theory has in previous decades, however, been under-utilized, particularly in South Africa. But more recently, has it been receiving increasing support by researchers both internationally and in South Africa. Data collected on Friedrich Nietzsche’s life were drawn from several primary and secondary sources. A data collection and analysis grid was developed in order to collect data systematically, and to analyse the data according to the qualities of Carl Rogers’ theory. The study adds to the body of psychobiographical research. It also provides an empirical exploration of Carl Rogers’ theory of the fully functioning person. As the scope of the study was that of a master’s dissertation, future research, utilising semi-structured interviews with knowledgeable relatives, academics, psychologists, biographers, philosophers and historians on Nietzsche’s life, could extend this line of research. In conclusion, the current psychobiography suggests that Nietzsche lived a life filled with several personal crises. Despite these challenges, Nietzsche directed himself towards living as a fully functioning person. Nietzsche’s impetus towards self-becoming is also evident within his philosophical writings. Nietzsche was an extraordinary individual whose life, as described in the current psychobiography, corresponds closely to Rogers’ (1961) theory of a fully functioning person.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Booysen, Duane Danny-Coe
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Nietzsche, Friedrich Wilhelm, 1844-1900 , Philosophers -- Germany -- Biography
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9943 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013191
- Description: The primary aim of this psychobiography was to examine Friedrich Nietzsche’s life by utilizing Carl Rogers’ theory of the fully functioning person. Friedrich Nietzsche (1844 - 1900) has become an iconic figure in German philosophy and literature. Nietzsche’s criticism of western morality and culture led him to believe that humankind was not living to its highest potential and consequently Nietzsche sought after a life of self-becoming. Nietzsche’s philosophy has influenced various people such as Viktor Frankl, DH Lawrence, Michel Foucault and NP van Wyk Louw. Nietzsche was chosen as the research subject because of personal interest, his prominence as a philosopher, and because of his ambition to live a meaningful life. Psychobiographical research with the use of psychological theory allows for the exploration and description of the life of an individual. This significant area of research involving the application of psychological theory has in previous decades, however, been under-utilized, particularly in South Africa. But more recently, has it been receiving increasing support by researchers both internationally and in South Africa. Data collected on Friedrich Nietzsche’s life were drawn from several primary and secondary sources. A data collection and analysis grid was developed in order to collect data systematically, and to analyse the data according to the qualities of Carl Rogers’ theory. The study adds to the body of psychobiographical research. It also provides an empirical exploration of Carl Rogers’ theory of the fully functioning person. As the scope of the study was that of a master’s dissertation, future research, utilising semi-structured interviews with knowledgeable relatives, academics, psychologists, biographers, philosophers and historians on Nietzsche’s life, could extend this line of research. In conclusion, the current psychobiography suggests that Nietzsche lived a life filled with several personal crises. Despite these challenges, Nietzsche directed himself towards living as a fully functioning person. Nietzsche’s impetus towards self-becoming is also evident within his philosophical writings. Nietzsche was an extraordinary individual whose life, as described in the current psychobiography, corresponds closely to Rogers’ (1961) theory of a fully functioning person.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
An assessment of infant and young child feeding policy implementation of HIV mother-to-child transmission in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality health care facilities
- Authors: Mkontwana, Phumeza Eudicia
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: HIV infections -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Communicable diseases in children -- Transmission , HIV-positive women , Medical care -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Communicable diseases in children -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10040 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011632 , HIV infections -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Communicable diseases in children -- Transmission , HIV-positive women , Medical care -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Communicable diseases in children -- Prevention
- Description: This descriptive study aimed to assess the Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) policy implementation in the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) among healthcare workers in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality public health care facilities. A convenience sampling method was used to gather information from nurses (n=32) rendering maternal and child health services in nineteen permanent Nelson Mandela Bay public health care facilities (MOU’s, paediatric sections, well baby clinics and PMTCT sites). Recommendations included to the need develop indicators for measuring the IYCF policy objectives and regularly collect data on infant and young child feeding, standardising infant feeding education given by peer educators / lay counsellors from various organisations, capacity building and training of staff on IYCF and scaling up monitoring and evaluation of the IYCF policy impact.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Mkontwana, Phumeza Eudicia
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: HIV infections -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Communicable diseases in children -- Transmission , HIV-positive women , Medical care -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Communicable diseases in children -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10040 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011632 , HIV infections -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Communicable diseases in children -- Transmission , HIV-positive women , Medical care -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Communicable diseases in children -- Prevention
- Description: This descriptive study aimed to assess the Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) policy implementation in the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) among healthcare workers in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality public health care facilities. A convenience sampling method was used to gather information from nurses (n=32) rendering maternal and child health services in nineteen permanent Nelson Mandela Bay public health care facilities (MOU’s, paediatric sections, well baby clinics and PMTCT sites). Recommendations included to the need develop indicators for measuring the IYCF policy objectives and regularly collect data on infant and young child feeding, standardising infant feeding education given by peer educators / lay counsellors from various organisations, capacity building and training of staff on IYCF and scaling up monitoring and evaluation of the IYCF policy impact.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
An investigation into the challenges faced by children as victims of HIV/AIDS with reference to the Nyandeni area in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Kanyemba, Patricia
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: HIV -- Positive children
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Sw
- Identifier: vital:18477 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1007756
- Description: The aim of the study was to delineate, discuss and analyze major challenges that affect children between the ages of 13 and 18 in the Nyandeni area due to HIV/AIDS. This exploratory study was also performed to identify the categories of children made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS. One of the objectives was to provide a descriptive and analytical interpretation of the day to day experiences of children affected by HIV/AIDS. In shaping the sample size, 50 respondents were selected from three wards (2, 3 and 16) of the Nyandeni Local Municipality in the Nyandeni area in the Eastern Cape.The researcher made use of the interview technique to collect data from the respondents. In analysing data, the researcher made use of the quantitative and qualitative measures.The outcome of the study points out that HIV/AIDS is the major threat to children and that there is a significant increase in number of child headed families as a result of HIV/AIDS.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Kanyemba, Patricia
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: HIV -- Positive children
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Sw
- Identifier: vital:18477 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1007756
- Description: The aim of the study was to delineate, discuss and analyze major challenges that affect children between the ages of 13 and 18 in the Nyandeni area due to HIV/AIDS. This exploratory study was also performed to identify the categories of children made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS. One of the objectives was to provide a descriptive and analytical interpretation of the day to day experiences of children affected by HIV/AIDS. In shaping the sample size, 50 respondents were selected from three wards (2, 3 and 16) of the Nyandeni Local Municipality in the Nyandeni area in the Eastern Cape.The researcher made use of the interview technique to collect data from the respondents. In analysing data, the researcher made use of the quantitative and qualitative measures.The outcome of the study points out that HIV/AIDS is the major threat to children and that there is a significant increase in number of child headed families as a result of HIV/AIDS.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Assessment of the implementation of workplace HIV/AIDS programmes in the public and private sectors of Mount Fletcher in the Eastern Cape Province, Republic of South Africa
- Ndhlovu-Nomatshila, Zanele Benedict
- Authors: Ndhlovu-Nomatshila, Zanele Benedict
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: HIV/AIDS awareness South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Sw
- Identifier: vital:18480 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1011521
- Description: Workplaces are required by law to provide HIV and AIDS workplace programmes to educate and prevent the spread of HIV, and stigmatisation and discrimination against workers infected or affected by HIV and AIDS. This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in the public and private sector at Mt Fletcher in the Eastern Cape Province. It aimed at assessing the availability and implementation of HIV and AIDS workplace programmes at Mt Fletcher. The study’s objectives were: to assess knowledge of HIV and AIDS among employees; to determine the availability of HIV and AIDS psychosocial programmes; to assess the employees’ knowledge on HIV and AIDS workplace guidelines that prevent stigma and discrimination. This was a quantitative study. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. A total of 81 respondents from both public and private sectors participated in the study. Stratified random sampling was used to select participating workplaces. Simple random sampling was used to select respondents. The findings indicated that both public and private sector workplaces have HIV and AIDS programmes. However, all private sector workplaces at Mt Fletcher had no onsite clinic as required, but use the local public HIV and AIDS clinics. However, 24% of public and 23% of private sector employees had no knowledge of the existence of the HIV and AIDS programmes at their workplaces. About 13% of public and 10% of private sector employees indicated that stigmatisation and discrimination against people living with HIV and AIDS was a problem in the workplace. They also indicated that they would not disclose their HIV status to their employers because they were afraid of losing their jobs. The lack of disclosure further disadvantages workers living with HIV as they do not get the support they deserve from their employers. Furthermore, lack of support, stigma and discrimination have an impact on the performance and productivity of the infected and affected employees and therefore affecting the expected output of their workplaces.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Ndhlovu-Nomatshila, Zanele Benedict
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: HIV/AIDS awareness South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Sw
- Identifier: vital:18480 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1011521
- Description: Workplaces are required by law to provide HIV and AIDS workplace programmes to educate and prevent the spread of HIV, and stigmatisation and discrimination against workers infected or affected by HIV and AIDS. This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in the public and private sector at Mt Fletcher in the Eastern Cape Province. It aimed at assessing the availability and implementation of HIV and AIDS workplace programmes at Mt Fletcher. The study’s objectives were: to assess knowledge of HIV and AIDS among employees; to determine the availability of HIV and AIDS psychosocial programmes; to assess the employees’ knowledge on HIV and AIDS workplace guidelines that prevent stigma and discrimination. This was a quantitative study. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. A total of 81 respondents from both public and private sectors participated in the study. Stratified random sampling was used to select participating workplaces. Simple random sampling was used to select respondents. The findings indicated that both public and private sector workplaces have HIV and AIDS programmes. However, all private sector workplaces at Mt Fletcher had no onsite clinic as required, but use the local public HIV and AIDS clinics. However, 24% of public and 23% of private sector employees had no knowledge of the existence of the HIV and AIDS programmes at their workplaces. About 13% of public and 10% of private sector employees indicated that stigmatisation and discrimination against people living with HIV and AIDS was a problem in the workplace. They also indicated that they would not disclose their HIV status to their employers because they were afraid of losing their jobs. The lack of disclosure further disadvantages workers living with HIV as they do not get the support they deserve from their employers. Furthermore, lack of support, stigma and discrimination have an impact on the performance and productivity of the infected and affected employees and therefore affecting the expected output of their workplaces.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Child care workers' management of sexualised behaviour displayed by children in residential child and youth care centres
- Authors: Pietersen, Marisa
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Child care workers -- South Africa , Child sexual abuse , Sexually abused children -- Care , Child sexual abuse -- Psychological aspects , Children -- Institutional care , Social work with children , Sexually abused children -- Counseling of , Child sexual abuse -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9991 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1644 , Child care workers -- South Africa , Child sexual abuse , Sexually abused children -- Care , Child sexual abuse -- Psychological aspects , Children -- Institutional care , Social work with children , Sexually abused children -- Counseling of , Child sexual abuse -- Prevention
- Description: Children have been shown to respond differently to the hurt that they suffer at the hands of others. Some of these responses involve internalised behaviours (i.e., repression of feelings, bodily symptoms, etc.); whilst others hurt manifest as externalised behaviours, such as physical attacks on others. These may include sexualised behaviours. The latter is particularly common amongst (but not restricted to) children who have been sexually abused (The American Psychological Association, 2001). For the purposes of this study a distinction is made between developmentally appropriate sexual behaviour and non normative sexualised behaviour which evoke complaints from and discomfort in those involved in the behaviour. The manifestation of these sexualised behaviours is especially pronounced amongst children in institutional care; and hence, it calls for constructive and effective management by the child care workers who are primarily responsible for their safe care and behaviour modification whilst in the institution. This qualitative study – with an exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design – served to explore how the child care workers’ effective management of such behaviours could be enhanced, so that the emotional wellbeing of both the “offender” and the “perpetrator” of this behaviour can be promoted. A non-probability purposive sampling technique was employed to recruit research participants from three different child and youth care centres in Port Elizabeth. A total number of 10 research participants were involved and data was collected up to the point of data saturation. Thematic content analysis was utilised for the analysis of the data and the necessary strategies were employed to enhance the trustworthiness of the data and to meet all the ethical requirements of the study. The main findings alert to the key requirements of Child and Youth Care Workers; it confirms the occurrence of sexualised behaviours; the urgent need for a consistent approach to the management of such behaviours; and for enhanced team work between the helping professionals in the team. The value of the study is embedded in the contributions it can make to practical interventions for children in institutional care, and to the sparse body of knowledge in this area.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Pietersen, Marisa
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Child care workers -- South Africa , Child sexual abuse , Sexually abused children -- Care , Child sexual abuse -- Psychological aspects , Children -- Institutional care , Social work with children , Sexually abused children -- Counseling of , Child sexual abuse -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9991 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1644 , Child care workers -- South Africa , Child sexual abuse , Sexually abused children -- Care , Child sexual abuse -- Psychological aspects , Children -- Institutional care , Social work with children , Sexually abused children -- Counseling of , Child sexual abuse -- Prevention
- Description: Children have been shown to respond differently to the hurt that they suffer at the hands of others. Some of these responses involve internalised behaviours (i.e., repression of feelings, bodily symptoms, etc.); whilst others hurt manifest as externalised behaviours, such as physical attacks on others. These may include sexualised behaviours. The latter is particularly common amongst (but not restricted to) children who have been sexually abused (The American Psychological Association, 2001). For the purposes of this study a distinction is made between developmentally appropriate sexual behaviour and non normative sexualised behaviour which evoke complaints from and discomfort in those involved in the behaviour. The manifestation of these sexualised behaviours is especially pronounced amongst children in institutional care; and hence, it calls for constructive and effective management by the child care workers who are primarily responsible for their safe care and behaviour modification whilst in the institution. This qualitative study – with an exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design – served to explore how the child care workers’ effective management of such behaviours could be enhanced, so that the emotional wellbeing of both the “offender” and the “perpetrator” of this behaviour can be promoted. A non-probability purposive sampling technique was employed to recruit research participants from three different child and youth care centres in Port Elizabeth. A total number of 10 research participants were involved and data was collected up to the point of data saturation. Thematic content analysis was utilised for the analysis of the data and the necessary strategies were employed to enhance the trustworthiness of the data and to meet all the ethical requirements of the study. The main findings alert to the key requirements of Child and Youth Care Workers; it confirms the occurrence of sexualised behaviours; the urgent need for a consistent approach to the management of such behaviours; and for enhanced team work between the helping professionals in the team. The value of the study is embedded in the contributions it can make to practical interventions for children in institutional care, and to the sparse body of knowledge in this area.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Cultural interpretations of traumatic events and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms of IsiXhosa-speaking adults
- Authors: De Villiers, Derika
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Post-traumatic stress disorder , Emotions and cognition , Psychic trauma
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9878 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008379 , Post-traumatic stress disorder , Emotions and cognition , Psychic trauma
- Description: South Africa as a country is known for its high crime rate which produces an ongoing traumatising environment for its multicultural nation. Posttraumatic stress disorder in the general South African population is thought to be more prevalent than most international norms which make this topic both relevant and important. Cultural diversity is seen to play a role in the experience of PTSD which means that it has become important to gain an understanding of the potential effect of the individual’s cultural background on the processing of a traumatic experience and the symptoms related to the experience. The proposed research focused on appraisals of the traumatic event and symptoms (in schematic and cultural terms). An interpretive (with current cognitive conceptions of the disorder as guiding theory) phenomenological approach was used. The sample consisted of eight isiXhosa-speaking adults that qualified for a diagnosis of PTSD with no prior psychiatric diagnosis. Data was gathered using a semi-structured interview and analysed using the Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. Results indicated that participants understood their PTSD symptoms in a functional manner but struggled to make sense of their traumatic event. Not understanding their traumatic event was the variable that maintained their PTSD diagnosis. Most of the interpretations made by these participants were fairly universal and there were very few links to content that can directly be attributed to a traditional African worldview. Practitioners may not need to completely reinvent the wheel as far as treatment strategies for PTSD for isiXhosa-speaking individuals in an urban setting go.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: De Villiers, Derika
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Post-traumatic stress disorder , Emotions and cognition , Psychic trauma
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9878 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008379 , Post-traumatic stress disorder , Emotions and cognition , Psychic trauma
- Description: South Africa as a country is known for its high crime rate which produces an ongoing traumatising environment for its multicultural nation. Posttraumatic stress disorder in the general South African population is thought to be more prevalent than most international norms which make this topic both relevant and important. Cultural diversity is seen to play a role in the experience of PTSD which means that it has become important to gain an understanding of the potential effect of the individual’s cultural background on the processing of a traumatic experience and the symptoms related to the experience. The proposed research focused on appraisals of the traumatic event and symptoms (in schematic and cultural terms). An interpretive (with current cognitive conceptions of the disorder as guiding theory) phenomenological approach was used. The sample consisted of eight isiXhosa-speaking adults that qualified for a diagnosis of PTSD with no prior psychiatric diagnosis. Data was gathered using a semi-structured interview and analysed using the Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. Results indicated that participants understood their PTSD symptoms in a functional manner but struggled to make sense of their traumatic event. Not understanding their traumatic event was the variable that maintained their PTSD diagnosis. Most of the interpretations made by these participants were fairly universal and there were very few links to content that can directly be attributed to a traditional African worldview. Practitioners may not need to completely reinvent the wheel as far as treatment strategies for PTSD for isiXhosa-speaking individuals in an urban setting go.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Educators perceptions of implementing guidelines on HIV/AIDS interventions in the Department of Educations Port Elizabeth District
- Authors: Heynes, Arnelle
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Educators -- South Africa , Port Elizabeth (South Africa) -- Education , Communicable diseases
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9895 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1009319 , Educators -- South Africa , Port Elizabeth (South Africa) -- Education , Communicable diseases
- Description: The development and implementation of policy guidelines remains a contentious issue. Over the past few years, difficulty still exists in implementing the Department of Education (DoE) 1999, National Education Policy Act, 1996 (No. 27 of 1996): National Policy on HIV/AIDS for learners and educators in public schools, and students and educators in further education and training institutions [here after referred to as DoE HIV/AIDS policy (1999)], while at the same time trying to transform the entire education system. This research explored the perceptions of educators in the Port Elizabeth District regarding the implementation of DoE HIV/AIDS (1999) policy guidelines. A secondary objective was to provide a reflection of how the implementation of guidelines on HIV/AIDS interventions within the schools of the Port Elizabeth District either conformed to or deviated from the guidelines outlined in the DoE HIV/AIDS policy (1999). The study was executed within the paradigm of qualitative research and employed an exploratory, descriptive and contextual design. The researcher conducted a pilot study to enhance the trustworthiness of the study. Purposive sampling was employed to recruit research participants, consisting of 12 educators from 10 schools in the Port Elizabeth District where HIV/AIDS interventions were being implemented. Data was gathered through semi-structured interviewing and analysed using Tesch’s (1990) in De Vos, Strydom, Fouché & Delport (2005:340-341) framework for analysis of qualitative data. Guba’s model (in Krefting, 1991) was used to ensure the trustworthiness of the study. Three themes emerged from the results of the in-depth semi-structured interviews: (1) Educators’ views on the DoE HIV/AIDS policy (1999) guidelines and its implementation (2) Gaps or shortcomings in implementation of the DoE HIV/AIDS policy (1999) and (3) Educator suggestions’ to inform implementation of the DoE HIV/AIDS policy (1999) in schools. The results from the study indicate that there is inconsistency in the policy implementation approach employed by DoE district level representatives and there is a need for knowledge and capacity development at district and school level. The value of the study is outlined as well as recommendations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Heynes, Arnelle
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Educators -- South Africa , Port Elizabeth (South Africa) -- Education , Communicable diseases
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9895 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1009319 , Educators -- South Africa , Port Elizabeth (South Africa) -- Education , Communicable diseases
- Description: The development and implementation of policy guidelines remains a contentious issue. Over the past few years, difficulty still exists in implementing the Department of Education (DoE) 1999, National Education Policy Act, 1996 (No. 27 of 1996): National Policy on HIV/AIDS for learners and educators in public schools, and students and educators in further education and training institutions [here after referred to as DoE HIV/AIDS policy (1999)], while at the same time trying to transform the entire education system. This research explored the perceptions of educators in the Port Elizabeth District regarding the implementation of DoE HIV/AIDS (1999) policy guidelines. A secondary objective was to provide a reflection of how the implementation of guidelines on HIV/AIDS interventions within the schools of the Port Elizabeth District either conformed to or deviated from the guidelines outlined in the DoE HIV/AIDS policy (1999). The study was executed within the paradigm of qualitative research and employed an exploratory, descriptive and contextual design. The researcher conducted a pilot study to enhance the trustworthiness of the study. Purposive sampling was employed to recruit research participants, consisting of 12 educators from 10 schools in the Port Elizabeth District where HIV/AIDS interventions were being implemented. Data was gathered through semi-structured interviewing and analysed using Tesch’s (1990) in De Vos, Strydom, Fouché & Delport (2005:340-341) framework for analysis of qualitative data. Guba’s model (in Krefting, 1991) was used to ensure the trustworthiness of the study. Three themes emerged from the results of the in-depth semi-structured interviews: (1) Educators’ views on the DoE HIV/AIDS policy (1999) guidelines and its implementation (2) Gaps or shortcomings in implementation of the DoE HIV/AIDS policy (1999) and (3) Educator suggestions’ to inform implementation of the DoE HIV/AIDS policy (1999) in schools. The results from the study indicate that there is inconsistency in the policy implementation approach employed by DoE district level representatives and there is a need for knowledge and capacity development at district and school level. The value of the study is outlined as well as recommendations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Effects of a gymnasium-based resistance training programme on selected physical fitness components in sub-elite martial artists
- Von der Marwitz, Reiner Keith
- Authors: Von der Marwitz, Reiner Keith
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Martial arts , Training , Physical fitness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10110 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020822
- Description: The aim of the study was to explore, describe and compare the impact of a 12-week intervention on selected physical fitness variables in sub-elite martial artists. The experimental group (expG) participated in a combination of alternating dojo and gymnasium-based resistance training, each bi-weekly, with the comparison group (comG) exclusively undergoing four conventional dojo training sessions weekly. The variables measured included; anthropometric measures (height, body mass and percentage body fat); functional core muscular endurance; hamstring flexibility; upper body muscular strength and endurance; lower body muscle strength; and static balance. A quasi-experimental research design was employed, with pre - and post - test assessments after a 12 week intervention period. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were employed from existing dojo’s in Port Elizabeth, with a randomised allocation of participants into two groups. The gymnasium-based training programme was designed according to the national conditioning and strength association (NCSA) principles of resistance training. The identified variables were tested at a 95% level of probability (p < 0.05). Similar trends in performance improvement were evident for both the expG and compG in of the majority of the selected physical fitness variables. One-way, two-sample and independent t-tests analysis found no statistical significant intra- group or inter-group differences in any of the selected dependant variables for both groups. Thus, the supplemental resistance training programme was not superior to that of the conventional dojo training programme in improving aforementioned variables. Despite the lack of statistical significance, these results indicate that a structured and supervised resistance training programme in a gymnasium may serve as an alternative method of intervention for improving physical fitness in sub-elite mixed martial artists. The resistance training programme should be specifically adapted according to the individual practitioner’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as to the type of martial art being practised.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Von der Marwitz, Reiner Keith
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Martial arts , Training , Physical fitness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10110 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020822
- Description: The aim of the study was to explore, describe and compare the impact of a 12-week intervention on selected physical fitness variables in sub-elite martial artists. The experimental group (expG) participated in a combination of alternating dojo and gymnasium-based resistance training, each bi-weekly, with the comparison group (comG) exclusively undergoing four conventional dojo training sessions weekly. The variables measured included; anthropometric measures (height, body mass and percentage body fat); functional core muscular endurance; hamstring flexibility; upper body muscular strength and endurance; lower body muscle strength; and static balance. A quasi-experimental research design was employed, with pre - and post - test assessments after a 12 week intervention period. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were employed from existing dojo’s in Port Elizabeth, with a randomised allocation of participants into two groups. The gymnasium-based training programme was designed according to the national conditioning and strength association (NCSA) principles of resistance training. The identified variables were tested at a 95% level of probability (p < 0.05). Similar trends in performance improvement were evident for both the expG and compG in of the majority of the selected physical fitness variables. One-way, two-sample and independent t-tests analysis found no statistical significant intra- group or inter-group differences in any of the selected dependant variables for both groups. Thus, the supplemental resistance training programme was not superior to that of the conventional dojo training programme in improving aforementioned variables. Despite the lack of statistical significance, these results indicate that a structured and supervised resistance training programme in a gymnasium may serve as an alternative method of intervention for improving physical fitness in sub-elite mixed martial artists. The resistance training programme should be specifically adapted according to the individual practitioner’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as to the type of martial art being practised.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Environmental health work methods and procedures for the surveillance and control of cholera in the KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa
- Authors: Bigara, Ana Doherty
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Avian influenza -- Eastern Cape -- South Africa -- Prevention , Environmental health -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9836 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1016073
- Description: The aim of this study was to develop a standardised set of Environmental-Health work methods and procedures, with the purpose of contributing to the effective surveillance and control of Cholera in the KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. The researcher followed a qualitative research design, which was explorative, descriptive, inductive and deductive by nature. The methods of data collection were documentary research and focus-group interviews. A documentary research approach was employed as the primary method of data collection for the study. The researcher has used semi-structured questions to obtain relevant information from the participants in the focus groups. The purpose of using semi-structured questions in the focus groups was to draw on their knowledge and experience of communicable disease surveillance and control in relation to Cholera, as well as to ascertain their views on the role of the Environmental-Health Practitioners in the Communicable - Disease Outbreak- Response Teams at the three different spheres of government. The process of qualitative data analysis was followed. This was based on data reduction and interpretation; and it was conducted as an activity simultaneously with data collection, data interpretation (coding) and narrative writing. The information obtained from the analysed data assisted in the development of the environmentalhealth work methods and procedures for the surveillance and control of Cholera in the KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. In this study, firstly, the epidemiology of Cholera was described and analysed against the background of its manifestation in South Africa. Secondly, the national health care system, with specific reference to the place and role of environmental health practitioners at national, provincial and municipal spheres – in relation to Cholera surveillance and control – was analysed. Thirdly, the relevant research that has been done globally has been analysed against the background of the findings of the above, together with work methods and procedures to be used by environmental-health practitioners during the surveillance and control of Cholera in the KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. These include, inter alia: Work methods and procedures for Cholera case investigation; Work methods and procedures for sanitary investigations; and Work methods and procedures for identifying the sources of contamination in environmental waters. Finally, the conclusion and limitations was presented, and appropriate recommendations were made. These include: he need to educate all role - players, on the recent developments in the identification of Vibrio cholerae from environmental surface waters; Communication systems should be developed that allow the Director: Environmental Health to communicate urgent environmental health information directly to the Minister of Health; he training of environmental-health practitioners on detailed work methods and procedures for the surveillance and control of Cholera; and the existing national Cholera control guidelines need to be updated to include relevant environmental health situations when emergencies arise.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Bigara, Ana Doherty
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Avian influenza -- Eastern Cape -- South Africa -- Prevention , Environmental health -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9836 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1016073
- Description: The aim of this study was to develop a standardised set of Environmental-Health work methods and procedures, with the purpose of contributing to the effective surveillance and control of Cholera in the KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. The researcher followed a qualitative research design, which was explorative, descriptive, inductive and deductive by nature. The methods of data collection were documentary research and focus-group interviews. A documentary research approach was employed as the primary method of data collection for the study. The researcher has used semi-structured questions to obtain relevant information from the participants in the focus groups. The purpose of using semi-structured questions in the focus groups was to draw on their knowledge and experience of communicable disease surveillance and control in relation to Cholera, as well as to ascertain their views on the role of the Environmental-Health Practitioners in the Communicable - Disease Outbreak- Response Teams at the three different spheres of government. The process of qualitative data analysis was followed. This was based on data reduction and interpretation; and it was conducted as an activity simultaneously with data collection, data interpretation (coding) and narrative writing. The information obtained from the analysed data assisted in the development of the environmentalhealth work methods and procedures for the surveillance and control of Cholera in the KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. In this study, firstly, the epidemiology of Cholera was described and analysed against the background of its manifestation in South Africa. Secondly, the national health care system, with specific reference to the place and role of environmental health practitioners at national, provincial and municipal spheres – in relation to Cholera surveillance and control – was analysed. Thirdly, the relevant research that has been done globally has been analysed against the background of the findings of the above, together with work methods and procedures to be used by environmental-health practitioners during the surveillance and control of Cholera in the KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. These include, inter alia: Work methods and procedures for Cholera case investigation; Work methods and procedures for sanitary investigations; and Work methods and procedures for identifying the sources of contamination in environmental waters. Finally, the conclusion and limitations was presented, and appropriate recommendations were made. These include: he need to educate all role - players, on the recent developments in the identification of Vibrio cholerae from environmental surface waters; Communication systems should be developed that allow the Director: Environmental Health to communicate urgent environmental health information directly to the Minister of Health; he training of environmental-health practitioners on detailed work methods and procedures for the surveillance and control of Cholera; and the existing national Cholera control guidelines need to be updated to include relevant environmental health situations when emergencies arise.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Experiences of operating room nurses in their work environment at a state hospital in Ethiopia
- Authors: Woldehawariat, Negat
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Operating room nurses -- Ethiopia , Operating rooms -- Ethiopia , Work environment -- Ethiopia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10024 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008177 , Operating room nurses -- Ethiopia , Operating rooms -- Ethiopia , Work environment -- Ethiopia
- Description: Operating room nursing skills are some of the most demanding skills in the nursing profession. At the moment nurses trained in operating room technique are in very short supply in Ethiopia, due to the exodus of nurses to better working environments with more reasonable payment. This is especially noticeable in one of the state hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, as emerged in conversations with the head nurse of the operating room in this hospital about the high turnover rate, as well as the high absenteeism rate amongst the nurses working in the operating room. Nurses working in the operating room also expressed unhappiness in their work environment which could cause them to look for other jobs or to be absent from duty. The nurses were facing numerous problems in their work environment such as work overload due to staff shortage, stress due to shortage of supplies because they are not able to do their job as much as the need requires. The researcher identified the need to explore the challenges that the operating room nurses are experiencing in their work environment. The researcher used the following questions to meet the research objectives: What are the experiences of the operating room nurses in their work environment?; What potential assistance would such nurses need to better cope with the problems they experience in their work environment? The research study aimed to explore and describe the experience of operating room nurses in their work environment and on the basis of the findings to develop guidelines to assist the operating room nurses in coping more effectively with their work environment. The researcher used a qualitative approach with an explorative, descriptive and contextual design. Fifteen registered nurses were selected using purposive sampling. Informed consent was obtained from the participants and permission from the Ethics Committee of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, as well as Yekatit 12 Hospital. Data were gathered using face to face interviews and field notes were taken to determine the experiences of the participants. Data were analyzed using Tesch's method of descriptive data analysis (in Creswell, 2003:13). Two main themes with two sub-themes related to the experience of the registered nurses working in the operating room of the state hospital were identified. Main theme one focused on the non-conducive work environment and it focused on the lack of support from management and the problems experienced in the environment. It was found that OR nurses had good working relationships among the nursing staff. Main theme two focused on the limited training opportunities in OR techniques. The sub-themes described the limited exposure to new technology and the quality of nursing education which the participants felt was not taken seriously in Ethiopia. Based on the identified themes guidelines were formulated to assist the registered nurses working in the operating room of a state hospital in Ethiopia. Utilization of these guidelines should assist the registered nurses to cope more effectively with their work environment. Recommendation were made, further research and limitations identified.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Woldehawariat, Negat
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Operating room nurses -- Ethiopia , Operating rooms -- Ethiopia , Work environment -- Ethiopia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10024 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008177 , Operating room nurses -- Ethiopia , Operating rooms -- Ethiopia , Work environment -- Ethiopia
- Description: Operating room nursing skills are some of the most demanding skills in the nursing profession. At the moment nurses trained in operating room technique are in very short supply in Ethiopia, due to the exodus of nurses to better working environments with more reasonable payment. This is especially noticeable in one of the state hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, as emerged in conversations with the head nurse of the operating room in this hospital about the high turnover rate, as well as the high absenteeism rate amongst the nurses working in the operating room. Nurses working in the operating room also expressed unhappiness in their work environment which could cause them to look for other jobs or to be absent from duty. The nurses were facing numerous problems in their work environment such as work overload due to staff shortage, stress due to shortage of supplies because they are not able to do their job as much as the need requires. The researcher identified the need to explore the challenges that the operating room nurses are experiencing in their work environment. The researcher used the following questions to meet the research objectives: What are the experiences of the operating room nurses in their work environment?; What potential assistance would such nurses need to better cope with the problems they experience in their work environment? The research study aimed to explore and describe the experience of operating room nurses in their work environment and on the basis of the findings to develop guidelines to assist the operating room nurses in coping more effectively with their work environment. The researcher used a qualitative approach with an explorative, descriptive and contextual design. Fifteen registered nurses were selected using purposive sampling. Informed consent was obtained from the participants and permission from the Ethics Committee of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, as well as Yekatit 12 Hospital. Data were gathered using face to face interviews and field notes were taken to determine the experiences of the participants. Data were analyzed using Tesch's method of descriptive data analysis (in Creswell, 2003:13). Two main themes with two sub-themes related to the experience of the registered nurses working in the operating room of the state hospital were identified. Main theme one focused on the non-conducive work environment and it focused on the lack of support from management and the problems experienced in the environment. It was found that OR nurses had good working relationships among the nursing staff. Main theme two focused on the limited training opportunities in OR techniques. The sub-themes described the limited exposure to new technology and the quality of nursing education which the participants felt was not taken seriously in Ethiopia. Based on the identified themes guidelines were formulated to assist the registered nurses working in the operating room of a state hospital in Ethiopia. Utilization of these guidelines should assist the registered nurses to cope more effectively with their work environment. Recommendation were made, further research and limitations identified.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Exploring behavioural addiction: a phenomenological study of the lived experiences of pathological gamblers
- Authors: Halgreen, Charnel
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Compulsive gambling , Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9940 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012117 , Compulsive gambling , Psychology
- Description: The aims of this chapter were fourfold. Firstly, the chapter aimed to contextualise this study by providing the reader with the relevant background information. Secondly, the chapter aimed to orientate the reader to the nature of this study, the research problem and aims, as well as provide motivation for this research. Thirdly, it presented an outline of the research process while situating the study within a theoretical framework. Fourthly, to provide the structure and outline of the chapters that is to unfold. Chapter Two will follow with an overview of the ecological perspective as it relates to human development and as the precursor to a more extensive discussion of the perspective of Urie Bronfenbrenner (1979). Bronfenbrenner‟s (1979) ecological outlook will take into consideration the constituents of influence in the lives of the participants of the present study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Halgreen, Charnel
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Compulsive gambling , Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9940 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012117 , Compulsive gambling , Psychology
- Description: The aims of this chapter were fourfold. Firstly, the chapter aimed to contextualise this study by providing the reader with the relevant background information. Secondly, the chapter aimed to orientate the reader to the nature of this study, the research problem and aims, as well as provide motivation for this research. Thirdly, it presented an outline of the research process while situating the study within a theoretical framework. Fourthly, to provide the structure and outline of the chapters that is to unfold. Chapter Two will follow with an overview of the ecological perspective as it relates to human development and as the precursor to a more extensive discussion of the perspective of Urie Bronfenbrenner (1979). Bronfenbrenner‟s (1979) ecological outlook will take into consideration the constituents of influence in the lives of the participants of the present study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Formulation and stability testing of eye drop preparations containing phenylephrine hydrochloride
- Authors: Okafor, Chinedum Oluchukwu
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Phenylpropanolamine , Viscosity , Glycerin
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10164 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020985
- Description: Phenylephrine hydrochloride is a potent adrenergic agent and β-receptor sympathomimetic drug, used in its optically active form (Pandey et al., 2003; Pandey et al., 2006). As an α1-adrenergic receptor agonist, phenylephrine hydrochloride is used ocularly as a decongestant for uveitis and as an agent to dilate the pupil (Lang, 1995). High intraocular doses have been reported to cause tachycardia, hypertension, and headache. These side effects are caused by large amounts of the drop draining into the nasal cavity. Eye drops that contain phenylephrine hydrochloride have proven to have low intra-ocular bioavailability because of a short contact time with the eyes which reduces the amount of drug reaching the site of action. Formulations of phenylephrine hydrochloride eye drops have varying shelf-lives of approximately two to four years. The aim of this study was to formulate and manufacture an eye drop product containing phenylephrine hydrochloride. Important characteristics that were targeted were increased ocular absorption by increasing the viscosity of the product and reduced degradation of phenylephrine hydrochloride. A variety of phenylephrine hydrochloride formulations were manufactured on a laboratory scale using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), glycerol, and sodium carboxy methylcellulose as viscosity modifying agents (VMA). The concentration of phenylephrine hydrochloride was ten percent. Ten millimeters of each formulation was made in triplicate. The quantity in each was evaluated using a previously validated high performance (pressure) liquid chromatography method. Physicochemical properties including pH and colour were also evaluated. Stability was assessed using real time and accelerated stability conditions in accordance with the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines. Formulations containing hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) as the viscosity modifying agents proved to be stable under all storage conditions when compared with formulations containing other viscosity modifying agents (VMA). However, sodium citrate dihydrate; sodium metabisulphite and EDTA also stabilized the formulations to a certain extent Changes in the appearance and colour of products containing glycerol under accelerated storage conditions were observed. The sodium carboxy methylcellulose (SCMC) containing formulation was found to be physically and chemically stable in two conditions, namely 30 °C/65 percent RH and 25 °C/60 percent RH. The formulations containing hydroxypropyl methylcellulose along with an antioxidant showed to be most stable as it remained aesthetically pleasing did not change colour and did not have a reduction in phenylephrine hydrochloride concentrations. This meant that phenylephrine hydrochloride did not degrade while the viscosity modifying agents remained stable. Rheological tests showed differences in the viscosities of the formulations as glycerol had increased in viscosity over time while HMPC and SCMC displayed relative similarities. The formulations were compared to a marketed eye drop containing polyvinyl alcohol as a VMA. After rheological analysis the formulation containing HPMC displayed better viscosity than the product with polyvinyl alcohol. The preservatives in the formulations were active against the microbial organisms use to challenged them.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Okafor, Chinedum Oluchukwu
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Phenylpropanolamine , Viscosity , Glycerin
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10164 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020985
- Description: Phenylephrine hydrochloride is a potent adrenergic agent and β-receptor sympathomimetic drug, used in its optically active form (Pandey et al., 2003; Pandey et al., 2006). As an α1-adrenergic receptor agonist, phenylephrine hydrochloride is used ocularly as a decongestant for uveitis and as an agent to dilate the pupil (Lang, 1995). High intraocular doses have been reported to cause tachycardia, hypertension, and headache. These side effects are caused by large amounts of the drop draining into the nasal cavity. Eye drops that contain phenylephrine hydrochloride have proven to have low intra-ocular bioavailability because of a short contact time with the eyes which reduces the amount of drug reaching the site of action. Formulations of phenylephrine hydrochloride eye drops have varying shelf-lives of approximately two to four years. The aim of this study was to formulate and manufacture an eye drop product containing phenylephrine hydrochloride. Important characteristics that were targeted were increased ocular absorption by increasing the viscosity of the product and reduced degradation of phenylephrine hydrochloride. A variety of phenylephrine hydrochloride formulations were manufactured on a laboratory scale using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), glycerol, and sodium carboxy methylcellulose as viscosity modifying agents (VMA). The concentration of phenylephrine hydrochloride was ten percent. Ten millimeters of each formulation was made in triplicate. The quantity in each was evaluated using a previously validated high performance (pressure) liquid chromatography method. Physicochemical properties including pH and colour were also evaluated. Stability was assessed using real time and accelerated stability conditions in accordance with the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines. Formulations containing hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) as the viscosity modifying agents proved to be stable under all storage conditions when compared with formulations containing other viscosity modifying agents (VMA). However, sodium citrate dihydrate; sodium metabisulphite and EDTA also stabilized the formulations to a certain extent Changes in the appearance and colour of products containing glycerol under accelerated storage conditions were observed. The sodium carboxy methylcellulose (SCMC) containing formulation was found to be physically and chemically stable in two conditions, namely 30 °C/65 percent RH and 25 °C/60 percent RH. The formulations containing hydroxypropyl methylcellulose along with an antioxidant showed to be most stable as it remained aesthetically pleasing did not change colour and did not have a reduction in phenylephrine hydrochloride concentrations. This meant that phenylephrine hydrochloride did not degrade while the viscosity modifying agents remained stable. Rheological tests showed differences in the viscosities of the formulations as glycerol had increased in viscosity over time while HMPC and SCMC displayed relative similarities. The formulations were compared to a marketed eye drop containing polyvinyl alcohol as a VMA. After rheological analysis the formulation containing HPMC displayed better viscosity than the product with polyvinyl alcohol. The preservatives in the formulations were active against the microbial organisms use to challenged them.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Francis Bacon: a psychobiographical study
- Authors: Kerr, Natalie
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Bacon, Francis, 1909-1992 , Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9871 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1774 , Bacon, Francis, 1909-1992 , Psychology
- Description: The study consists of a psychobiography of the British artist, Francis Bacon (1909-1992). Psychobiography employs a qualitative approach to understanding the life story of an individual through the lens of psychological theory. It is typically dedicated to the lives of well-known or enigmatic people and covers the person’s entire lifespan. For this study the analytical theory of Carl Gustav Jung (1875-1961) is used to explore and describe Bacon’s life and personality through concepts relating to personality functioning, history, mythology, anthropology, symbology and religion. Francis Bacon has captured the imagination of the art world for many years - especially where it is felt that the figure-subject is still the highest form of art - and his reputation among the foremost of English painters is assured. Coupled with his artistic output is a life full of curiosity, eccentricity and controversy. This alone would qualify him as a suitable subject for a study such as this, but his extraordinary oeuvre of painting hugely adds to his attractiveness to the psychological researcher. To ensure an accurate description of Bacon’s life, extensive data is examined using Alexander’s (1988) model of identifying salient themes. The study considers the nature and methodology of psychobiography, the theories of Jung, the life of Francis Bacon and then sythesises relevant material in a psychological profile. The findings of this study indicate that Bacon’s intense, creative and unorthodox life of genius fully justifies the research and provides an example of how a theory that is flexible can be an appropriate means of understanding complicated personalities. Jung’s description of the evolution of the personality allows for applicability and coherence, while at the same time accomodating even the most maverick of non-conventional lives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Kerr, Natalie
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Bacon, Francis, 1909-1992 , Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9871 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1774 , Bacon, Francis, 1909-1992 , Psychology
- Description: The study consists of a psychobiography of the British artist, Francis Bacon (1909-1992). Psychobiography employs a qualitative approach to understanding the life story of an individual through the lens of psychological theory. It is typically dedicated to the lives of well-known or enigmatic people and covers the person’s entire lifespan. For this study the analytical theory of Carl Gustav Jung (1875-1961) is used to explore and describe Bacon’s life and personality through concepts relating to personality functioning, history, mythology, anthropology, symbology and religion. Francis Bacon has captured the imagination of the art world for many years - especially where it is felt that the figure-subject is still the highest form of art - and his reputation among the foremost of English painters is assured. Coupled with his artistic output is a life full of curiosity, eccentricity and controversy. This alone would qualify him as a suitable subject for a study such as this, but his extraordinary oeuvre of painting hugely adds to his attractiveness to the psychological researcher. To ensure an accurate description of Bacon’s life, extensive data is examined using Alexander’s (1988) model of identifying salient themes. The study considers the nature and methodology of psychobiography, the theories of Jung, the life of Francis Bacon and then sythesises relevant material in a psychological profile. The findings of this study indicate that Bacon’s intense, creative and unorthodox life of genius fully justifies the research and provides an example of how a theory that is flexible can be an appropriate means of understanding complicated personalities. Jung’s description of the evolution of the personality allows for applicability and coherence, while at the same time accomodating even the most maverick of non-conventional lives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Gaze behaviour patterns of under 19 level Rugby union players during one-on-one defensive play
- Authors: Raffan, Ryan Phillip
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Rugby football injuries -- Prevention , Visual perception
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8372 , vital:26350
- Description: The aim of this study was to describe and compare the gaze behaviour patterns of expert and near expert under 19 level rugby union players during one-on-one defensive play. Gaze characteristics such as the areas of interest visited, the number of fixations, the duration of each fixation, the starting and last fixations; and the order of fixations adopted were used to achieve the aim of the study. In addition, biographical data, including sporting and vision history, were collected. Data of the two groups were described and compared with statistically and practically significant differences been highlighted. Inferential statistics were used and the following significant levels set: p<.05 for t-tests and Chi-sq'ared - tests while Cohen's d (absolute value) ≥0.20 and Cramér‟s V ≥0.10 were used to determine the practical significance for statistically significant results, respectively. An exploratory and quasi-experimental design was used, in which 81 participants (16 – 19 years of age) were sampled for differences between experts' and near experts' visual-search strategies and gaze behaviour patterns when anticipating the direction of deceptive running skills in rugby union, however, only 68 participants had eye tracker data analyzed due to the strict calibration criteria. The expert players correctly anticipated significantly (t-stat = -3.16, p = .002, d = 0.71) more than the near expert players on average (75.76% compared to 66.46%), and therefore, were less susceptible to deceptive running skills. The near expert players were, however, more aware of their fixation location than expert players. Both expert and near expert players fixated considerably more on the knees and hips than any other area of interest, however expert players had fewer, but longer fixations than near expert players per run with 4.29 ± 1.89 fixations (χ2 = 3.90, p = .048, V = 0.24) of 0.420 ± 0.140 seconds (χ2 = 3.97, p = .046, V = 0.24) compared to 5.34 ± 2.39 fixations of 0.350 ± 0.150 seconds. Both the expert and near expert groups fixated more on the lower body than the upper body on average, however, the near expert players fixated significantly more off the body for all correct runs than the expert players (t-stat = 2.17, p = .034, d = 0.53). The expert players start fixating more on the knees at the start of each trial, whereas the near expert players start fixating more on the knees and hips, and considerably off-target. The expert players fixate significantly more on the knees (t-stat = -2.56, p = .013, d = 0.63) at the end of each trial than the near expert players on average, whereas the near expert players fixate more on the hips. The orders of fixation did not yield any discernable patterns between expert and near expert players for correctly anticipated runs. Experts exhibit superior visual-search strategies and gaze behaviour control, presumably using the top-down approach, to successfully anticipate an opponent's intended direction. This information could help coaches teach perceptual tackling skills to enhance motor learning and performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Raffan, Ryan Phillip
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Rugby football injuries -- Prevention , Visual perception
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8372 , vital:26350
- Description: The aim of this study was to describe and compare the gaze behaviour patterns of expert and near expert under 19 level rugby union players during one-on-one defensive play. Gaze characteristics such as the areas of interest visited, the number of fixations, the duration of each fixation, the starting and last fixations; and the order of fixations adopted were used to achieve the aim of the study. In addition, biographical data, including sporting and vision history, were collected. Data of the two groups were described and compared with statistically and practically significant differences been highlighted. Inferential statistics were used and the following significant levels set: p<.05 for t-tests and Chi-sq'ared - tests while Cohen's d (absolute value) ≥0.20 and Cramér‟s V ≥0.10 were used to determine the practical significance for statistically significant results, respectively. An exploratory and quasi-experimental design was used, in which 81 participants (16 – 19 years of age) were sampled for differences between experts' and near experts' visual-search strategies and gaze behaviour patterns when anticipating the direction of deceptive running skills in rugby union, however, only 68 participants had eye tracker data analyzed due to the strict calibration criteria. The expert players correctly anticipated significantly (t-stat = -3.16, p = .002, d = 0.71) more than the near expert players on average (75.76% compared to 66.46%), and therefore, were less susceptible to deceptive running skills. The near expert players were, however, more aware of their fixation location than expert players. Both expert and near expert players fixated considerably more on the knees and hips than any other area of interest, however expert players had fewer, but longer fixations than near expert players per run with 4.29 ± 1.89 fixations (χ2 = 3.90, p = .048, V = 0.24) of 0.420 ± 0.140 seconds (χ2 = 3.97, p = .046, V = 0.24) compared to 5.34 ± 2.39 fixations of 0.350 ± 0.150 seconds. Both the expert and near expert groups fixated more on the lower body than the upper body on average, however, the near expert players fixated significantly more off the body for all correct runs than the expert players (t-stat = 2.17, p = .034, d = 0.53). The expert players start fixating more on the knees at the start of each trial, whereas the near expert players start fixating more on the knees and hips, and considerably off-target. The expert players fixate significantly more on the knees (t-stat = -2.56, p = .013, d = 0.63) at the end of each trial than the near expert players on average, whereas the near expert players fixate more on the hips. The orders of fixation did not yield any discernable patterns between expert and near expert players for correctly anticipated runs. Experts exhibit superior visual-search strategies and gaze behaviour control, presumably using the top-down approach, to successfully anticipate an opponent's intended direction. This information could help coaches teach perceptual tackling skills to enhance motor learning and performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Implementation of a standardised insulin protocol in a tertiary level referral hospital
- Authors: Smith, Charné
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Diabetics -- Treatment -- South Africa Insulin -- Patients -- South Africa , Drugs -- Dosage forms Diabetics -- Care -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18387 , vital:28632
- Description: In severely ill hospitalised patients with diabetes mellitus (type 1 and type 2) there is an increase in metabolic rate. Insulin requirements are increased and glycaemic control becomes more difficult to achieve. The insulin sliding-scale is a form of „top up‟ therapy used to supplement the patients existing hypoglycaemic medication. In 2002, research at Livingstone Hospital found that 14 different sliding scales were used in 38 patients (Du Plessis, 2002: 79). In 2006 the nurses and doctors working in the general medical wards at Livingstone Hospital indicated that they were willing to use a standardised insulin sliding scale protocol (Smith, 2006: 56). Thus the aim of this study was to assess whether a standardised insulin protocol can be effectively implemented. The objectives of the study were to: 1) assess insulin usage via insulin sliding scales prior to the implementation of the standardised insulin protocol; 2) implement the standardised insulin protocol; and 3) reassess insulin usage after the implementation of the standardised insulin protocol. As the study involved evaluating the use of insulin via the insulin sliding scale and the implemented insulin protocol, it occurred in four phases. The preliminary phase entailed obtaining ethical approval. The pre-intervention phase included data collection in the form of a nursing questionnaire and the auditing of patient medical records using a data collection tool. The intervention phase involved education sessions on the new insulin protocol for the nursing staff, and the implementation of a standardised insulin protocol, while the post-intervention phase comprised of post-intervention data collection, which included a nursing questionnaire, a prescribers questionnaire and the auditing of patient medical records using a data collection tool. The overall impression obtained from the comparison between the pre- and post-intervention nursing questionnaire was conflicting; in some aspects the educational intervention was successful in others not. Regardless the indication obtained was that the nursing staff require more in-service training on a more regular basis as a lack of knowledge regarding diabetes mellitus as a disease state may negatively affect patient outcomes. The overall response from the nursing staff towards the insulin protocol was positive. The prescribers‟ response to the insulin protocol was conflicted. The number of correct insulin sliding scale doses administered in the pre-intervention and post intervention phase improved by 5.25 percent. The number of incorrect insulin sliding scale doses administered during the pre- and post -intervention phase decreased by 5.25 percent. These results are positive and may be due to fewer sliding scales being prescribed in the post-intervention phase and the implemented insulin protocol. Only three (5.55%; n=54) inpatients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus were placed on the implemented protocol that is, the basal bolus regime, and rarely were dose adjustments to their insulin made rendering the effectives of the protocol undesirable. Only four (7.40%; n=54) inpatients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus were placed on the implemented protocol that is, an intermediate- to long-acting insulin (Protophane®). However all four patients experienced immediate improvements in their fasting blood glucose levels. These results indicated that by adding an intermediate- to long-acting insulin (Protophane®) to the therapy of a patient with Type 2 diabetes mellitus fasting blood glucose levels decrease. This would improve patient outcomes and decrease the risk of related diabetic complications. These limited results may indicate a clinical inertia on the part of the prescribers. Unfortunately overall the educational intervention was not successful and the implementation of the protocol was not successful and did not yield the desired results.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Smith, Charné
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Diabetics -- Treatment -- South Africa Insulin -- Patients -- South Africa , Drugs -- Dosage forms Diabetics -- Care -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18387 , vital:28632
- Description: In severely ill hospitalised patients with diabetes mellitus (type 1 and type 2) there is an increase in metabolic rate. Insulin requirements are increased and glycaemic control becomes more difficult to achieve. The insulin sliding-scale is a form of „top up‟ therapy used to supplement the patients existing hypoglycaemic medication. In 2002, research at Livingstone Hospital found that 14 different sliding scales were used in 38 patients (Du Plessis, 2002: 79). In 2006 the nurses and doctors working in the general medical wards at Livingstone Hospital indicated that they were willing to use a standardised insulin sliding scale protocol (Smith, 2006: 56). Thus the aim of this study was to assess whether a standardised insulin protocol can be effectively implemented. The objectives of the study were to: 1) assess insulin usage via insulin sliding scales prior to the implementation of the standardised insulin protocol; 2) implement the standardised insulin protocol; and 3) reassess insulin usage after the implementation of the standardised insulin protocol. As the study involved evaluating the use of insulin via the insulin sliding scale and the implemented insulin protocol, it occurred in four phases. The preliminary phase entailed obtaining ethical approval. The pre-intervention phase included data collection in the form of a nursing questionnaire and the auditing of patient medical records using a data collection tool. The intervention phase involved education sessions on the new insulin protocol for the nursing staff, and the implementation of a standardised insulin protocol, while the post-intervention phase comprised of post-intervention data collection, which included a nursing questionnaire, a prescribers questionnaire and the auditing of patient medical records using a data collection tool. The overall impression obtained from the comparison between the pre- and post-intervention nursing questionnaire was conflicting; in some aspects the educational intervention was successful in others not. Regardless the indication obtained was that the nursing staff require more in-service training on a more regular basis as a lack of knowledge regarding diabetes mellitus as a disease state may negatively affect patient outcomes. The overall response from the nursing staff towards the insulin protocol was positive. The prescribers‟ response to the insulin protocol was conflicted. The number of correct insulin sliding scale doses administered in the pre-intervention and post intervention phase improved by 5.25 percent. The number of incorrect insulin sliding scale doses administered during the pre- and post -intervention phase decreased by 5.25 percent. These results are positive and may be due to fewer sliding scales being prescribed in the post-intervention phase and the implemented insulin protocol. Only three (5.55%; n=54) inpatients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus were placed on the implemented protocol that is, the basal bolus regime, and rarely were dose adjustments to their insulin made rendering the effectives of the protocol undesirable. Only four (7.40%; n=54) inpatients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus were placed on the implemented protocol that is, an intermediate- to long-acting insulin (Protophane®). However all four patients experienced immediate improvements in their fasting blood glucose levels. These results indicated that by adding an intermediate- to long-acting insulin (Protophane®) to the therapy of a patient with Type 2 diabetes mellitus fasting blood glucose levels decrease. This would improve patient outcomes and decrease the risk of related diabetic complications. These limited results may indicate a clinical inertia on the part of the prescribers. Unfortunately overall the educational intervention was not successful and the implementation of the protocol was not successful and did not yield the desired results.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Influence of distance from the target on total response time, repeated punch force and anaerobic fatigue of amateur boxers
- Authors: Trella, Christopher
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Boxing -- Training , Sports performance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10106 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020024
- Description: The aim of this study was to determine the influence of distance from the target during dominant and non-dominant jab punches, on total response time, repeated jab punch force and anaerobic fatigue of amateur boxers. Data was gathered of the following variables: Biographical data, anthropometric data, total response time, change in total response time, number of punches, peak punch force and peak punch force fatigue resistance index. An exploratory and descriptive research design was used. Twelve male amateur boxers participated in this study. The participants were all either provincially or nationally ranked, between the ages 16 and 22 and in the competitive phase of their training. The data was compared to find statistical significance and it was found from the Wilcoxon ranked sign test that distance does not affect total response time, change in total response time, number of punches and peak punch force fatigue resistance index. However, it was found that distance affects peak punch force. Additionally,it was found using a Spearman rank correlation test that older boxers proved to have statistically significant faster total response times, the boxers that had slower total reponse times proved to have statistically significant less powerful peak punch force, the boxers that had slower total response times proved to have statistically significant larger fatigue resistance index, boxers with larger change in total response time proved to have statistically significant more powerful peak punch force and the boxers with larger peak punch force proved to have statistically significant smaller fatigue resistance index. The data presented provides an introduction of the exploration of how distance from a target relates to a boxer’s performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Trella, Christopher
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Boxing -- Training , Sports performance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10106 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020024
- Description: The aim of this study was to determine the influence of distance from the target during dominant and non-dominant jab punches, on total response time, repeated jab punch force and anaerobic fatigue of amateur boxers. Data was gathered of the following variables: Biographical data, anthropometric data, total response time, change in total response time, number of punches, peak punch force and peak punch force fatigue resistance index. An exploratory and descriptive research design was used. Twelve male amateur boxers participated in this study. The participants were all either provincially or nationally ranked, between the ages 16 and 22 and in the competitive phase of their training. The data was compared to find statistical significance and it was found from the Wilcoxon ranked sign test that distance does not affect total response time, change in total response time, number of punches and peak punch force fatigue resistance index. However, it was found that distance affects peak punch force. Additionally,it was found using a Spearman rank correlation test that older boxers proved to have statistically significant faster total response times, the boxers that had slower total reponse times proved to have statistically significant less powerful peak punch force, the boxers that had slower total response times proved to have statistically significant larger fatigue resistance index, boxers with larger change in total response time proved to have statistically significant more powerful peak punch force and the boxers with larger peak punch force proved to have statistically significant smaller fatigue resistance index. The data presented provides an introduction of the exploration of how distance from a target relates to a boxer’s performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Influence of distance from the target on total response time, repeated punch force and anaerobic fatigue of amatuer boxers
- Authors: Trella, Christopher Andrew
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Boxers (Sports) , Physical education and training
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10111 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020942
- Description: The aim of this study was to determine the influence of distance from the target during dominant and non-dominant jab punches, on total response time, repeated jab punch force and anaerobic fatigue of amateur boxers. Data was gathered of the following variables: Biographical data, anthropometric data, total response time, change in total response time, number of punches, peak punch force and peak punch force fatigue resistance index. An exploratory and descriptive research design was used. Twelve male amateur boxers participated in this study. The participants were all either provincially or nationally ranked, between the ages 16 and 22 and in the competitive phase of their training. The data was compared to find statistical significance and it was found from the Wilcoxon ranked sign test that distance does not affect total response time, change in total response time, number of punches and peak punch force fatigue resistance index. However, it was found that distance affects peak punch force. Additionally,it was found using a Spearman rank correlation test that older boxers proved to have statistically significant faster total response times, the boxers that had slower total reponse times proved to have statistically significant less powerful peak punch force, the boxers that had slower total response times proved to have statistically significant larger fatigue resistance index, boxers with larger change in total response time proved to have statistically significant more powerful peak punch force and the boxers with larger peak punch force proved to have statistically significant smaller fatigue resistance index. The data presented provides an introduction of the exploration of how distance from a target relates to a boxer’s performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Trella, Christopher Andrew
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Boxers (Sports) , Physical education and training
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10111 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020942
- Description: The aim of this study was to determine the influence of distance from the target during dominant and non-dominant jab punches, on total response time, repeated jab punch force and anaerobic fatigue of amateur boxers. Data was gathered of the following variables: Biographical data, anthropometric data, total response time, change in total response time, number of punches, peak punch force and peak punch force fatigue resistance index. An exploratory and descriptive research design was used. Twelve male amateur boxers participated in this study. The participants were all either provincially or nationally ranked, between the ages 16 and 22 and in the competitive phase of their training. The data was compared to find statistical significance and it was found from the Wilcoxon ranked sign test that distance does not affect total response time, change in total response time, number of punches and peak punch force fatigue resistance index. However, it was found that distance affects peak punch force. Additionally,it was found using a Spearman rank correlation test that older boxers proved to have statistically significant faster total response times, the boxers that had slower total reponse times proved to have statistically significant less powerful peak punch force, the boxers that had slower total response times proved to have statistically significant larger fatigue resistance index, boxers with larger change in total response time proved to have statistically significant more powerful peak punch force and the boxers with larger peak punch force proved to have statistically significant smaller fatigue resistance index. The data presented provides an introduction of the exploration of how distance from a target relates to a boxer’s performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Investigating factors that contribute to the disengagement of non-custodial fathers after divorce in the King Sabatha Dalindyebo Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province of Republic of South Africa
- Authors: Nyikana, Kwezi Jerome
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Desertion and non-support , Divorce -- Psychological aspects , South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Sw
- Identifier: vital:18481 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1015519
- Description: This study is premised on the plight of custodial women, who sometimes complain about lack of financial support and the physical absence or disengagement of non-custodial fathers in the lives of their children after divorce. A notable number of non-custodial fathers in the KSD Municipal area have been identified through this study to be disengaging themselves physically from the lives of their children after divorce. The research analysis point to a number of compelling factors for post-divorce paternal disengagement.The research study is an exploratory study in which a mixed method of both qualitative and quantitative research design have been utilised. The researcher was interested in using qualifying words and the use of statistical analysis to describe the father disengagement phenomenon. The hypothesis for this study is: psychological, social and structural factors contribute to the disengagement of non-custodial fathers after divorce. The researcher drew up a sample which Bailey (1982) defines as a subset or portion of the total population. The researcher selected respondents according to the purposive sample which Rubin and Babbie (1993:259) defines as a type of non-probability sampling method in which the researcher uses his own judgement in the selection of respondents. In sampling, 30 respondents who are non-custodial parents were selected to participate in the study. Disengaged non-custodial father was the unit of analysis.The data was collected by means of administering questionnaires and voice recordings. The researcher also utilized in-depth interviews as stated by Boyce and Neale (2006) as being useful when you want detailed information about a person’s thoughts and behaviours, or when the researcher wants to explore new ideas in-depth. The latter approach is most appropriate in qualitative data collection. However, data was analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively.The findings of the study have in many ways answered questions the researcher has been curious about. The ex-wives’ feelings, in-laws, lack of residence, lack of communication between the divorced parents, remarriages, a child or children’s refusal to meet his/her father after divorce have been cited by the respondents as mitigating factors to non-custodial father disengagement. The psychological state of the divorced parties, that of anger, depression, overwhelmed by parenting alone or anxiety or distraught emotional state all form psychological factors. The latter factors were found not to be properly managed well and have often resulted in post-divorce father disengagement. The emotional pain by the non-custodial fathers of not seeing their children for a long time even demonstrates that structural challenges are also contributing factors to post-divorce father disengagement.In the light of the above findings the researcher would recommended mandatory counseling for parenting after divorce, expansion of the family advocate office, provision of a national program for divorced men, creating positive pictures of fatherhood through the media, incorporation of fatherhood or parenthood into the curriculum in our institutions of higher learning and mobilization of men at all levels to take position actions in remedying the experience of divorce.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Nyikana, Kwezi Jerome
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Desertion and non-support , Divorce -- Psychological aspects , South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Sw
- Identifier: vital:18481 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1015519
- Description: This study is premised on the plight of custodial women, who sometimes complain about lack of financial support and the physical absence or disengagement of non-custodial fathers in the lives of their children after divorce. A notable number of non-custodial fathers in the KSD Municipal area have been identified through this study to be disengaging themselves physically from the lives of their children after divorce. The research analysis point to a number of compelling factors for post-divorce paternal disengagement.The research study is an exploratory study in which a mixed method of both qualitative and quantitative research design have been utilised. The researcher was interested in using qualifying words and the use of statistical analysis to describe the father disengagement phenomenon. The hypothesis for this study is: psychological, social and structural factors contribute to the disengagement of non-custodial fathers after divorce. The researcher drew up a sample which Bailey (1982) defines as a subset or portion of the total population. The researcher selected respondents according to the purposive sample which Rubin and Babbie (1993:259) defines as a type of non-probability sampling method in which the researcher uses his own judgement in the selection of respondents. In sampling, 30 respondents who are non-custodial parents were selected to participate in the study. Disengaged non-custodial father was the unit of analysis.The data was collected by means of administering questionnaires and voice recordings. The researcher also utilized in-depth interviews as stated by Boyce and Neale (2006) as being useful when you want detailed information about a person’s thoughts and behaviours, or when the researcher wants to explore new ideas in-depth. The latter approach is most appropriate in qualitative data collection. However, data was analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively.The findings of the study have in many ways answered questions the researcher has been curious about. The ex-wives’ feelings, in-laws, lack of residence, lack of communication between the divorced parents, remarriages, a child or children’s refusal to meet his/her father after divorce have been cited by the respondents as mitigating factors to non-custodial father disengagement. The psychological state of the divorced parties, that of anger, depression, overwhelmed by parenting alone or anxiety or distraught emotional state all form psychological factors. The latter factors were found not to be properly managed well and have often resulted in post-divorce father disengagement. The emotional pain by the non-custodial fathers of not seeing their children for a long time even demonstrates that structural challenges are also contributing factors to post-divorce father disengagement.In the light of the above findings the researcher would recommended mandatory counseling for parenting after divorce, expansion of the family advocate office, provision of a national program for divorced men, creating positive pictures of fatherhood through the media, incorporation of fatherhood or parenthood into the curriculum in our institutions of higher learning and mobilization of men at all levels to take position actions in remedying the experience of divorce.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012