A factor analysis of the career adapt-abilities inventory
- Authors: Olivier, Ilze
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Adaptability (Psychology) -- South Africa , Career Assessment Inventory , Curiosity
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9950 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015687
- Description: In understanding the importance of career adaptability in an individual‟s career development, career counsellors require a valid assessment technique for measuring career adaptability. The Career Adapt-Abilities Inventory (CAI) was originally developed by Mark Savickas (2008) as a measure of career adapt-abilities. The present study forms part of an international collaboration investigating the psychometric properties and construct validity of the CAI. The aims of the present study involved the following: conducting exploratory factor analysis in order to determine whether interrelationships within the items of the CAI can be explained by the presence of unobserved variables; conducting confirmatory factor analysis in an attempt to confirm the hypothesised factor structures of the CAI; and to explore and describe South African university students‟ perceptions of the underlying constructs of the CAI in terms of the language usage and comprehension of the inventory‟s item content. A sample of South African first-year university students were employed in this current study. In an exploratory factor analysis of the CAI, preference was given to the a priori criterion forcing the extraction of five factors. The oblique rotation method was employed using the OBLIMIN method provided by the statistical package in order to derive the simplest and most interpretable factor structure. Exploratory factor analysis supported a five factor solution after the fourth iteration, reflecting the underlying dimensions of Curiosity, Concern, Confidence, Cooperation and Control. These factors support the five scales presented by Savickas (2008). Confirmatory factor analyses were subsequently performed in order to test both the original CAI factor model as well as the factor model that emerged through exploratory factor analysis. After using several goodness-of-fit indices, it can be concluded that the inventory items adequately represent the five CAI scales based on the value obtained using the Root Mean Square Error of Approximation index. The factor model derived through EFA demonstrated a slightly better fit when compared to the original CAI factor model using other fit indices. In terms of the qualitative findings of this current study, participants indicated that the meaning of several items were unclear to them causing comprehension difficulty. Items 8 and 50 were marked by participants several times and can be viewed as the items causing most difficulty with regard to comprehension, with participants pointing out the words „keeping upbeat‟ (item 8) and „conscientious‟ (item 50). Participants were also asked to provide additional comments with regard to the readability, comprehension and applicability of the CAI. On investigation of these comments, three main themes were generated relating to: the comprehension and clarity of the CAI; the CAI enhancing participants‟ understanding of themselves; and the structure, length and general layout of the CAI. In essence, the current study provided useful information regarding the psychometric properties of the CAI using a sample of South African first-year university students. Factor analyses provided some support for the validity of the CAI while the qualitative results provided aspects for consideration in making the CAI more applicable for South African usage. Moreover, a foundation has been laid for further research to be conducted in South Africa regarding the validity and applicability of the CAI for South African populations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Olivier, Ilze
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Adaptability (Psychology) -- South Africa , Career Assessment Inventory , Curiosity
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9950 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015687
- Description: In understanding the importance of career adaptability in an individual‟s career development, career counsellors require a valid assessment technique for measuring career adaptability. The Career Adapt-Abilities Inventory (CAI) was originally developed by Mark Savickas (2008) as a measure of career adapt-abilities. The present study forms part of an international collaboration investigating the psychometric properties and construct validity of the CAI. The aims of the present study involved the following: conducting exploratory factor analysis in order to determine whether interrelationships within the items of the CAI can be explained by the presence of unobserved variables; conducting confirmatory factor analysis in an attempt to confirm the hypothesised factor structures of the CAI; and to explore and describe South African university students‟ perceptions of the underlying constructs of the CAI in terms of the language usage and comprehension of the inventory‟s item content. A sample of South African first-year university students were employed in this current study. In an exploratory factor analysis of the CAI, preference was given to the a priori criterion forcing the extraction of five factors. The oblique rotation method was employed using the OBLIMIN method provided by the statistical package in order to derive the simplest and most interpretable factor structure. Exploratory factor analysis supported a five factor solution after the fourth iteration, reflecting the underlying dimensions of Curiosity, Concern, Confidence, Cooperation and Control. These factors support the five scales presented by Savickas (2008). Confirmatory factor analyses were subsequently performed in order to test both the original CAI factor model as well as the factor model that emerged through exploratory factor analysis. After using several goodness-of-fit indices, it can be concluded that the inventory items adequately represent the five CAI scales based on the value obtained using the Root Mean Square Error of Approximation index. The factor model derived through EFA demonstrated a slightly better fit when compared to the original CAI factor model using other fit indices. In terms of the qualitative findings of this current study, participants indicated that the meaning of several items were unclear to them causing comprehension difficulty. Items 8 and 50 were marked by participants several times and can be viewed as the items causing most difficulty with regard to comprehension, with participants pointing out the words „keeping upbeat‟ (item 8) and „conscientious‟ (item 50). Participants were also asked to provide additional comments with regard to the readability, comprehension and applicability of the CAI. On investigation of these comments, three main themes were generated relating to: the comprehension and clarity of the CAI; the CAI enhancing participants‟ understanding of themselves; and the structure, length and general layout of the CAI. In essence, the current study provided useful information regarding the psychometric properties of the CAI using a sample of South African first-year university students. Factor analyses provided some support for the validity of the CAI while the qualitative results provided aspects for consideration in making the CAI more applicable for South African usage. Moreover, a foundation has been laid for further research to be conducted in South Africa regarding the validity and applicability of the CAI for South African populations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Childhood development and career development in eight year-old South African girls
- Van der Westhuyzen, Nicole Tamsin
- Authors: Van der Westhuyzen, Nicole Tamsin
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Childhood development , Career development , Griffiths scales of mental development , Early childhood education -- Vocational guidance -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9942 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012969
- Description: Although it is generally acknowledged that critical career-related concepts and attitudes are first formed in childhood, research has focused little attention on this developmental stage. Statements about children‘s career development as an integral dimension of human development date to the early 1950s, yet limited research has investigated this interrelationship. It is imperative to gain a greater understanding of childhood career development in order to better prepare children for their future. The overall purpose of this study is to explore the interrelationship of childhood development and childhood career development. An exploratory-descriptive quantitative research method was used. Thirty participants (all eight year-old girls from a middle class, English speaking background) were selected through non-probability purposive sampling. Data were gathered from the Griffiths Mental Development Scales – Extended Revised (GMDS-ER) and the Childhood Career Development Scale (CCDS) and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results indicated a correlation, although not statistically significant, between childhood development and childhood career development, thus indicating a weak positive correlation between the two variables. Statistically significant relationships were established between certain subscales of the GMDS-ER and CCDS, namely Language and Exploration, Eye-Hand Co-ordination and Key Figures, and Practical Reasoning and Planning. The results from this study, although not conclusive, are groundbreaking in this neglected area of research as they indicate an interrelationship between childhood development and childhood career development. This research is an initial step in investigating this interrelationship and it is the hope of the researcher that it will stimulate further research in this area.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Van der Westhuyzen, Nicole Tamsin
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Childhood development , Career development , Griffiths scales of mental development , Early childhood education -- Vocational guidance -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9942 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012969
- Description: Although it is generally acknowledged that critical career-related concepts and attitudes are first formed in childhood, research has focused little attention on this developmental stage. Statements about children‘s career development as an integral dimension of human development date to the early 1950s, yet limited research has investigated this interrelationship. It is imperative to gain a greater understanding of childhood career development in order to better prepare children for their future. The overall purpose of this study is to explore the interrelationship of childhood development and childhood career development. An exploratory-descriptive quantitative research method was used. Thirty participants (all eight year-old girls from a middle class, English speaking background) were selected through non-probability purposive sampling. Data were gathered from the Griffiths Mental Development Scales – Extended Revised (GMDS-ER) and the Childhood Career Development Scale (CCDS) and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results indicated a correlation, although not statistically significant, between childhood development and childhood career development, thus indicating a weak positive correlation between the two variables. Statistically significant relationships were established between certain subscales of the GMDS-ER and CCDS, namely Language and Exploration, Eye-Hand Co-ordination and Key Figures, and Practical Reasoning and Planning. The results from this study, although not conclusive, are groundbreaking in this neglected area of research as they indicate an interrelationship between childhood development and childhood career development. This research is an initial step in investigating this interrelationship and it is the hope of the researcher that it will stimulate further research in this area.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Community development workers' perceptions of wellness at an HIV / AIDS organisation in Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Ndlela, Joshua Bongani
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV infections -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Organisational behavior , Health promotion -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9837 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1657 , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV infections -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Organisational behavior , Health promotion -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The general aim of the study was to explore and describe community development workers` perceptions of wellness at an HIV/AIDS organisation in Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa. The population of 36 community development workers at the Nelson Mandela Bay office of this organisation participated in this study. The sampling technique employed can be described as a census as it involved sampling an entire finite population that included all community development workers in the organisation. These workers are predominantly Xhosa-speaking adults between the ages of 21 and 60 years, and include both males and females. Qualitative data were gathered by means of audio-recorded focus groups, utilising semi-structured interviews. Tesch`s method was used to analyse the data, while Guba`s guidelines were used to enhance the trustworthiness of the research. Focus group interviews with community development workers revealed seven common themes in the experience of working in the HIV/AIDS organisation: (a) participants’ understanding of wellness; (b) organisational factors that impact on wellness; (c) personal factors that impact on wellness; (d) family and community factors that impact on wellness; (e) participants’ wellness; (f) personal coping strategies; and (g) suggestions regarding organisational strategies to enhance employee wellness. It is envisaged that the research findings of this study will be used in future to direct interventions that will be beneficial for the short and long term planning for the wellness of the community development workers of the HIV/AIDS organisation and those around them. It was recommended that the organisation was to develop a workplace wellness programme, increase management support towards the staff wellness and to increase the staff capacity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Ndlela, Joshua Bongani
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV infections -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Organisational behavior , Health promotion -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9837 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1657 , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV infections -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Organisational behavior , Health promotion -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The general aim of the study was to explore and describe community development workers` perceptions of wellness at an HIV/AIDS organisation in Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa. The population of 36 community development workers at the Nelson Mandela Bay office of this organisation participated in this study. The sampling technique employed can be described as a census as it involved sampling an entire finite population that included all community development workers in the organisation. These workers are predominantly Xhosa-speaking adults between the ages of 21 and 60 years, and include both males and females. Qualitative data were gathered by means of audio-recorded focus groups, utilising semi-structured interviews. Tesch`s method was used to analyse the data, while Guba`s guidelines were used to enhance the trustworthiness of the research. Focus group interviews with community development workers revealed seven common themes in the experience of working in the HIV/AIDS organisation: (a) participants’ understanding of wellness; (b) organisational factors that impact on wellness; (c) personal factors that impact on wellness; (d) family and community factors that impact on wellness; (e) participants’ wellness; (f) personal coping strategies; and (g) suggestions regarding organisational strategies to enhance employee wellness. It is envisaged that the research findings of this study will be used in future to direct interventions that will be beneficial for the short and long term planning for the wellness of the community development workers of the HIV/AIDS organisation and those around them. It was recommended that the organisation was to develop a workplace wellness programme, increase management support towards the staff wellness and to increase the staff capacity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Cross-cultural differences: the experiences, challenges and strengths for partners in committed interacial relationships
- De Vries, Tielke Anna Eveline
- Authors: De Vries, Tielke Anna Eveline
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Interacial marriage -- Cross-cultural studies , Interethnic marriage -- Cross-cultural studies , Couples
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9995 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008193 , Interacial marriage -- Cross-cultural studies , Interethnic marriage -- Cross-cultural studies , Couples
- Description: The topic of interpersonal relationships and the factors that enhance the longevity and strength of these have been well documented. Whilst there has been a steady increase in the occurrence of interracial relationships, it has not been matched by an increase in studies on the phenomenon and indeed very little empirical attention has been given to these relationships. Leslie and Letiecq (2004) highlight that the existing research on the phenomenon focuses primarily on the reasons individuals select partners outside of their own racial group. As interracial marriages are reportedly more vulnerable to divorce than marriages among same-race individuals, it seems important to examine the dynamics and quality of interracial relationships (Leslie & Letiecq, 2004). The goal of the study was therefore to explore the cross-cultural differences that inform the experiences, challenges, and strengths for partners in committed interracial relationships. In this qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual study, the author has explored and described the specific cross-cultural differences that the couple has encountered in their relationship and the impact that these differences have had on the quality of their relationship. Furthermore the study aimed to explore and describe the strengths the couple has drawn from these cross-cultural differences to enhance the quality of their relationship. A combination of purposive and snowball sampling techniques has been utilised to identify interracial couples who have been in a committed monogamous relationship of at least one year. The sample consisted of eleven individuals. Semi-structured individual interviews were utilised as the data collection tool, and Tesch‟s model of data analysis (in Creswell, 1998) has been employed. This model of data analysis consists of eight steps that have been used to analyse the data. Five themes emerged from the study: (1) cultural difference factors, (2) negative factors that influence the couple‟s coping with cultural differences, (3) positive factors that influence the couple‟s coping with cultural differences, (4) factors relating to cultural differences that strengthen the relationship and (5) recommendations to other interracial couples. The findings of the study make a meaningful contribution to couple counselling interventions for interracial couples, and also add to the body of knowledge on this sparsely researched topic.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: De Vries, Tielke Anna Eveline
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Interacial marriage -- Cross-cultural studies , Interethnic marriage -- Cross-cultural studies , Couples
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9995 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008193 , Interacial marriage -- Cross-cultural studies , Interethnic marriage -- Cross-cultural studies , Couples
- Description: The topic of interpersonal relationships and the factors that enhance the longevity and strength of these have been well documented. Whilst there has been a steady increase in the occurrence of interracial relationships, it has not been matched by an increase in studies on the phenomenon and indeed very little empirical attention has been given to these relationships. Leslie and Letiecq (2004) highlight that the existing research on the phenomenon focuses primarily on the reasons individuals select partners outside of their own racial group. As interracial marriages are reportedly more vulnerable to divorce than marriages among same-race individuals, it seems important to examine the dynamics and quality of interracial relationships (Leslie & Letiecq, 2004). The goal of the study was therefore to explore the cross-cultural differences that inform the experiences, challenges, and strengths for partners in committed interracial relationships. In this qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual study, the author has explored and described the specific cross-cultural differences that the couple has encountered in their relationship and the impact that these differences have had on the quality of their relationship. Furthermore the study aimed to explore and describe the strengths the couple has drawn from these cross-cultural differences to enhance the quality of their relationship. A combination of purposive and snowball sampling techniques has been utilised to identify interracial couples who have been in a committed monogamous relationship of at least one year. The sample consisted of eleven individuals. Semi-structured individual interviews were utilised as the data collection tool, and Tesch‟s model of data analysis (in Creswell, 1998) has been employed. This model of data analysis consists of eight steps that have been used to analyse the data. Five themes emerged from the study: (1) cultural difference factors, (2) negative factors that influence the couple‟s coping with cultural differences, (3) positive factors that influence the couple‟s coping with cultural differences, (4) factors relating to cultural differences that strengthen the relationship and (5) recommendations to other interracial couples. The findings of the study make a meaningful contribution to couple counselling interventions for interracial couples, and also add to the body of knowledge on this sparsely researched topic.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Experiences of casualty doctors regarding their role in the management of gender-based violence victims at the intermediate hospitals, Oshakati
- Tachere, Oghoteru Richardson
- Authors: Tachere, Oghoteru Richardson
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Family violence -- Namibia , Physicians -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10029 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1309 , Family violence -- Namibia , Physicians -- Namibia
- Description: The research focused on the experiences of casualty doctors regarding their role in the management of gender-based violence victims at the Intermediate Hospital Oshakati, Namibia. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design was utilized and data were collected by means of semi-structured interviews. These were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using the Tesch’s method of qualitative data analysis by the researcher in conjunction with an independent coder. The research findings revealed that the study participants experienced gender-based violence as a common and recurrent public health issue. Participants indicated that the majority of the victims presented with a wide range of physical injuries as well as significant emotional trauma. With further exploration, it emerged that participants identified alcohol abuse, low socioeconomic status and several relationship problems as prevalent factors associated with gender-based violence. They also recognized that the current programme managing gender-based violence provides a measure of safety for victims by making emergency services available. In addition, these services could be accessed free of charge and victims identified as ‘high-risk’ were offered sanctuary in the ward to prevent further harm. Study participants further observed that the presence of a multi-disciplinary team of care-givers also contribute positively to the management of gender-based violence victims. However, participants experienced several challenges that impair their role in the management of gender-based violence victims. Notable among these are high workload (arising from shortage of personnel and offering services to non-emergency cases in casualty), lack of collaboration among team members and a lack of proficiency in psychosocial intervention strategies. Based on the study findings, it is hereby recommended that clear guidelines for the management of gender-based violence victims should be established and a better collaboration among all cadres of professionals involved in this issue should be promoted. In addition, campaigns to sensitize the community about values that can help in the prevention of gender-based violence and dangers of alcohol abuse as well as strengthening the legislative framework vis-à-vis implementing punitive measures against culprits, should be vigorously pursued.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Tachere, Oghoteru Richardson
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Family violence -- Namibia , Physicians -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10029 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1309 , Family violence -- Namibia , Physicians -- Namibia
- Description: The research focused on the experiences of casualty doctors regarding their role in the management of gender-based violence victims at the Intermediate Hospital Oshakati, Namibia. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design was utilized and data were collected by means of semi-structured interviews. These were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using the Tesch’s method of qualitative data analysis by the researcher in conjunction with an independent coder. The research findings revealed that the study participants experienced gender-based violence as a common and recurrent public health issue. Participants indicated that the majority of the victims presented with a wide range of physical injuries as well as significant emotional trauma. With further exploration, it emerged that participants identified alcohol abuse, low socioeconomic status and several relationship problems as prevalent factors associated with gender-based violence. They also recognized that the current programme managing gender-based violence provides a measure of safety for victims by making emergency services available. In addition, these services could be accessed free of charge and victims identified as ‘high-risk’ were offered sanctuary in the ward to prevent further harm. Study participants further observed that the presence of a multi-disciplinary team of care-givers also contribute positively to the management of gender-based violence victims. However, participants experienced several challenges that impair their role in the management of gender-based violence victims. Notable among these are high workload (arising from shortage of personnel and offering services to non-emergency cases in casualty), lack of collaboration among team members and a lack of proficiency in psychosocial intervention strategies. Based on the study findings, it is hereby recommended that clear guidelines for the management of gender-based violence victims should be established and a better collaboration among all cadres of professionals involved in this issue should be promoted. In addition, campaigns to sensitize the community about values that can help in the prevention of gender-based violence and dangers of alcohol abuse as well as strengthening the legislative framework vis-à-vis implementing punitive measures against culprits, should be vigorously pursued.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Factors affecting people with disabilities in the employment sector
- Authors: Caga, Tabisa
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Blind -- Employment , People with visual disabilities -- Employment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9992 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1549 , Blind -- Employment , People with visual disabilities -- Employment
- Description: Since 1994, the South African Government has formulated various policies in an attempt to redress the previous political, economic and social imbalances within the country. The majority of the policies have focused on empowering previously disadvantaged groups including people with disabilities. Despite the interventions, literature reviewed reflects that there is very little progress made with regard to empowerment of people with disabilities in the employment sector. The study seeks to explore and identify factors that affect people with visual disabilities in the employment sector. The researcher used a qualitative approach to investigate the perceptions of people with visual disabilities through conducting focus groups interviews with participants that were recruited using a purposive sampling approach. A total of four groups from Pretoria have been used to draw findings for the research study. During the focus group discussions, a semi structured interview guide was used to generate more in‐depth interpretations from the participants and data was analysed using Tesch’s (1990) framework that is described in Creswell (2003). The findings of the research revealed that people with visual disabilities still have problems in accessing and retaining employment despite the South African favourable legislation. Dominating among the factors that are viewed by the participants to hinder their employability are societal negatives attitudes which include unequal treatment, discrimination when they seek employment, belittling and disregard by employers, coworkers and the society at large. There are also a number of factors that were perceived as barriers to job seekers with visual disabilities which include inaccessible advertising media for vacancies, inaccessible transports systems, inaccessible education and training and lack of funded positions suited for people with visual disabilities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Caga, Tabisa
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Blind -- Employment , People with visual disabilities -- Employment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9992 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1549 , Blind -- Employment , People with visual disabilities -- Employment
- Description: Since 1994, the South African Government has formulated various policies in an attempt to redress the previous political, economic and social imbalances within the country. The majority of the policies have focused on empowering previously disadvantaged groups including people with disabilities. Despite the interventions, literature reviewed reflects that there is very little progress made with regard to empowerment of people with disabilities in the employment sector. The study seeks to explore and identify factors that affect people with visual disabilities in the employment sector. The researcher used a qualitative approach to investigate the perceptions of people with visual disabilities through conducting focus groups interviews with participants that were recruited using a purposive sampling approach. A total of four groups from Pretoria have been used to draw findings for the research study. During the focus group discussions, a semi structured interview guide was used to generate more in‐depth interpretations from the participants and data was analysed using Tesch’s (1990) framework that is described in Creswell (2003). The findings of the research revealed that people with visual disabilities still have problems in accessing and retaining employment despite the South African favourable legislation. Dominating among the factors that are viewed by the participants to hinder their employability are societal negatives attitudes which include unequal treatment, discrimination when they seek employment, belittling and disregard by employers, coworkers and the society at large. There are also a number of factors that were perceived as barriers to job seekers with visual disabilities which include inaccessible advertising media for vacancies, inaccessible transports systems, inaccessible education and training and lack of funded positions suited for people with visual disabilities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Factors associated with successful talent development in South African soccer players
- Authors: Mudege, Solomon Mufudzi
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Soccer -- Training -- South Africa , Ability , Soccer -- Coaching -- South Africa , Professionalism in sports -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10103 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015713
- Description: In recent times, the performances of the South African senior national team (“Bafana Bafana”) have not matched the impressive off-field advancements in South African professional soccer. At the historic 2010 FIFA World CupTM held in South Africa, Bafana Bafana became the first host nation to be eliminated in the first round of the competition. Such disappointments have compelled stakeholders in South African soccer to call for a re-assessment of all structures and programmes which have an impact on the playing abilities of South African players. Of prime importance is the need to obtain a better understanding of talent development in South African soccer. The aim of this research study was to determine the relevance of selected factors associated with successful talent development in South African male professional soccer players competing in the 2008-2009 ABSA PSL season. In order to accomplish the research aims, the literature relating to talent development concepts and models was examined. The literature review identified seven factors which are relevant to talent development in soccer. The empirical study was exploratory, and it utilized a descriptive, non-experimental approach. Data were collected via a 53-item questionnaire, which was designed to evaluate the identified seven factors. The questionnaire was administered to a sample of 56 South African professional soccer players who played for clubs participating in the 2008-2009 season of the ABSA Premier Soccer League. The results obtained from the sample were analysed in terms of their descriptive statistics and confirmatory factor analysis was performed. The following six factors were statistically confirmed as being associated with the successful talent development of the sample: Training Environment, Motivation and Ambitions, Personal Development, Family Support, Cultural Factors and Coaching. These six factors accounted for 58 percent of the overall variance. The questionnaire had a reliability of 0.84, as measured by the Cronbach alpha coefficient. The study concludes that talent development in South African soccer is a multifactorial and complex process. Although the sample size was not suitable for discriminant analysis, theories such as the relative age effect and the „10-year rule‟ may be applicable to South African soccer. This study also adds to the limited body of knowledge on South African soccer, by identifying and scientifically analysing those factors which are associated with successful talent development. As success on the international stage becomes a priority in South African soccer, the identified factors serve as a sound scientific basis in the formulation of improved structures and strategies for perfecting the abilities of young soccer players, and increasing the competitiveness of Bafana Bafana.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Mudege, Solomon Mufudzi
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Soccer -- Training -- South Africa , Ability , Soccer -- Coaching -- South Africa , Professionalism in sports -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10103 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015713
- Description: In recent times, the performances of the South African senior national team (“Bafana Bafana”) have not matched the impressive off-field advancements in South African professional soccer. At the historic 2010 FIFA World CupTM held in South Africa, Bafana Bafana became the first host nation to be eliminated in the first round of the competition. Such disappointments have compelled stakeholders in South African soccer to call for a re-assessment of all structures and programmes which have an impact on the playing abilities of South African players. Of prime importance is the need to obtain a better understanding of talent development in South African soccer. The aim of this research study was to determine the relevance of selected factors associated with successful talent development in South African male professional soccer players competing in the 2008-2009 ABSA PSL season. In order to accomplish the research aims, the literature relating to talent development concepts and models was examined. The literature review identified seven factors which are relevant to talent development in soccer. The empirical study was exploratory, and it utilized a descriptive, non-experimental approach. Data were collected via a 53-item questionnaire, which was designed to evaluate the identified seven factors. The questionnaire was administered to a sample of 56 South African professional soccer players who played for clubs participating in the 2008-2009 season of the ABSA Premier Soccer League. The results obtained from the sample were analysed in terms of their descriptive statistics and confirmatory factor analysis was performed. The following six factors were statistically confirmed as being associated with the successful talent development of the sample: Training Environment, Motivation and Ambitions, Personal Development, Family Support, Cultural Factors and Coaching. These six factors accounted for 58 percent of the overall variance. The questionnaire had a reliability of 0.84, as measured by the Cronbach alpha coefficient. The study concludes that talent development in South African soccer is a multifactorial and complex process. Although the sample size was not suitable for discriminant analysis, theories such as the relative age effect and the „10-year rule‟ may be applicable to South African soccer. This study also adds to the limited body of knowledge on South African soccer, by identifying and scientifically analysing those factors which are associated with successful talent development. As success on the international stage becomes a priority in South African soccer, the identified factors serve as a sound scientific basis in the formulation of improved structures and strategies for perfecting the abilities of young soccer players, and increasing the competitiveness of Bafana Bafana.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Human figure drawings and the general mental development of South African children
- Authors: Burger, Reinhart
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9869 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008068
- Description: This quantitative exploratory-descriptive study investigated the value of human figure drawing (HFD) tests for developmental testing in the South African context. Due to their characteristics such tests may be particularly suitable to screen for developmental delays in the local South African context. The objectives of the research were to explore and describe the standardized HFD scores and Griffiths Mental Development Scales – Extended Revised (GMDS-ER) general quotients (GQ) of the sample; to investigate whether a relationship exists between the standardized HFD scores and GQs; and to investigate the strength and directionality of this relationship if it was found to exist in the sample. Relevant literature was discussed and an integration of key constructs was provided. The research sample consisted of 30 GMDS-ER protocols collected at a University Psychology Clinic in the Nelson Mandela metropol, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The HFDs of the Draw-a-person items of the GMDS-ER protocols were scored according to the scoring criteria of the Draw-a-Person Intellectual Ability Test for Children, Adolescents, and Adults (DAP: IQ). Key findings included the following: a statistically significant large positive correlation indicative of a marked relationship existed between standardized HFD scores and GQs. The DAP: IQ might provide a better indication of mental development than intellectual ability. A statistically significant medium positive correlation indicative of a small but definite relationship existed between chronological age and HFD raw scores. In conclusion, the findings suggest that HFDs follow a developmental progression and that HFD tests may be useful in developmental testing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Burger, Reinhart
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9869 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008068
- Description: This quantitative exploratory-descriptive study investigated the value of human figure drawing (HFD) tests for developmental testing in the South African context. Due to their characteristics such tests may be particularly suitable to screen for developmental delays in the local South African context. The objectives of the research were to explore and describe the standardized HFD scores and Griffiths Mental Development Scales – Extended Revised (GMDS-ER) general quotients (GQ) of the sample; to investigate whether a relationship exists between the standardized HFD scores and GQs; and to investigate the strength and directionality of this relationship if it was found to exist in the sample. Relevant literature was discussed and an integration of key constructs was provided. The research sample consisted of 30 GMDS-ER protocols collected at a University Psychology Clinic in the Nelson Mandela metropol, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The HFDs of the Draw-a-person items of the GMDS-ER protocols were scored according to the scoring criteria of the Draw-a-Person Intellectual Ability Test for Children, Adolescents, and Adults (DAP: IQ). Key findings included the following: a statistically significant large positive correlation indicative of a marked relationship existed between standardized HFD scores and GQs. The DAP: IQ might provide a better indication of mental development than intellectual ability. A statistically significant medium positive correlation indicative of a small but definite relationship existed between chronological age and HFD raw scores. In conclusion, the findings suggest that HFDs follow a developmental progression and that HFD tests may be useful in developmental testing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Incidence and mechanism of injuries occurring over season among premier and president league hockey teams of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
- Authors: Walker, Rostin
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Field hockey injuries -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10091 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1577 , Field hockey injuries -- South Africa
- Description: The aim of the study was twofold namely (1) to describe and compare the incidence and mechanism of injuries that occurred in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University hockey teams that play in the Premier and President Leagues; and (2) to determine the relationships between the level of physical preparation of the relevant players and injury occurrence. The study utilised an exploratory-descriptive epidemiological approach, implementing a cohort study design and was conducted over a period of six months. Data collection was done by means of two physical tests, one to assess the players’ endurance and the other to assess their anaerobic fitness. This was performed twice on the participants during the study. Data collection also utilised four questionnaires to determine the following: the players’ personal information and medical history, the preparation and training the players did for hockey, the incidence and mechanism of the injury the players have incurred and the follow-up of the injury to describe the type of injury and the rehabilitation process. The study included 42 participants with 25 from the two Premier League Teams and 17 from the President League Team. The results were placed into table and graph format and elucidated by means of descriptive statistics. Furthermore inferential statistics and Cohen’s d were utilised to determine both statistical and practical significances of differences between groups mean values respectively. The statistical significance of differences between the frequency distributions of the two sample groups was determined by means of Chi2 tests of independence. Cramér’s V statistic was used when there were statistically significant Chi2 tests results to determine the practical significance of the two sample group’s differences. The variable of highest level of play showed the only significant difference with regards to screening statistics as the Premier League Participants had a higher number of years participating at a provincial level. The injury statistics revealed that the incidence of injury in the Premier League was 4.08 injuries per 1000 athlete-exposures (A-E), while there was a significantly higher incidence for the President League of 14.71 injuries per 1000 A-E. Matches showed a significantly higher incidence of injuries (8.18 injuries per 1000 A-E) than xiv practices (2.42 injuries per 1000 A-E) which follows previous research. Goalkeepers and halves showed the highest occurrence of injuries (36 percent each) and are supported by 59 percent of the injuries occurring on the defensive side of the 23 metre line. Contact injuries (collision 6 percent, hit by stick 17 percent and hit by ball 33 percent) accounted for 56 percent of all the injuries. No significant differences were found between the two leagues with regards to preparation, the Multi Stage Shuttle Run Test (MSSRT) and the Repeated Sprint Test (RST), except for one period each for technical skills and aerobic training. The relationship between injuries and training showed no significances with regards to preparation, MSSRT and RST, although there was minimal balance and proprioceptive training performed. Thus the lower league showed a significantly higher incidence of injury with preparation not being a mechanism for injuries.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Walker, Rostin
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Field hockey injuries -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10091 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1577 , Field hockey injuries -- South Africa
- Description: The aim of the study was twofold namely (1) to describe and compare the incidence and mechanism of injuries that occurred in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University hockey teams that play in the Premier and President Leagues; and (2) to determine the relationships between the level of physical preparation of the relevant players and injury occurrence. The study utilised an exploratory-descriptive epidemiological approach, implementing a cohort study design and was conducted over a period of six months. Data collection was done by means of two physical tests, one to assess the players’ endurance and the other to assess their anaerobic fitness. This was performed twice on the participants during the study. Data collection also utilised four questionnaires to determine the following: the players’ personal information and medical history, the preparation and training the players did for hockey, the incidence and mechanism of the injury the players have incurred and the follow-up of the injury to describe the type of injury and the rehabilitation process. The study included 42 participants with 25 from the two Premier League Teams and 17 from the President League Team. The results were placed into table and graph format and elucidated by means of descriptive statistics. Furthermore inferential statistics and Cohen’s d were utilised to determine both statistical and practical significances of differences between groups mean values respectively. The statistical significance of differences between the frequency distributions of the two sample groups was determined by means of Chi2 tests of independence. Cramér’s V statistic was used when there were statistically significant Chi2 tests results to determine the practical significance of the two sample group’s differences. The variable of highest level of play showed the only significant difference with regards to screening statistics as the Premier League Participants had a higher number of years participating at a provincial level. The injury statistics revealed that the incidence of injury in the Premier League was 4.08 injuries per 1000 athlete-exposures (A-E), while there was a significantly higher incidence for the President League of 14.71 injuries per 1000 A-E. Matches showed a significantly higher incidence of injuries (8.18 injuries per 1000 A-E) than xiv practices (2.42 injuries per 1000 A-E) which follows previous research. Goalkeepers and halves showed the highest occurrence of injuries (36 percent each) and are supported by 59 percent of the injuries occurring on the defensive side of the 23 metre line. Contact injuries (collision 6 percent, hit by stick 17 percent and hit by ball 33 percent) accounted for 56 percent of all the injuries. No significant differences were found between the two leagues with regards to preparation, the Multi Stage Shuttle Run Test (MSSRT) and the Repeated Sprint Test (RST), except for one period each for technical skills and aerobic training. The relationship between injuries and training showed no significances with regards to preparation, MSSRT and RST, although there was minimal balance and proprioceptive training performed. Thus the lower league showed a significantly higher incidence of injury with preparation not being a mechanism for injuries.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Plantar force differences before and after an ultra-endurance event
- Authors: Sims, Gwenivere
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Human mechanics , Foot -- Abnormalities , Foot surgery
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10101 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012795 , Human mechanics , Foot -- Abnormalities , Foot surgery
- Description: The aim of this study was to determine the pre- and post-plantar force differences of athletes competing in an ultra-endurance event. The study was exploratory and quasi-experimental in nature and utilized a quantitative approach. A Quasi-experimental, one group pretest, posttest design was used. The study involved 84 participants selected by means of convenient sampling from a total of 1552 participants. The equipment used for data collection was the RS Footscan®, stadiometer and a weight scale. Differences between the plantar forces before and after the competition were significant for the sample group, indicating higher forces before the competition (t = -3.62, p = 0.001, d = 0.40). Gender, and novice and expert groupings had no significant effect on the plantar forces (t = 1.43, p = 0.155 and t = 0.21, p = 0.837) respectively. Gender groups had large significant differences between the left and right forefoot (t = 3.90, p = 0.000) and the heel (t = 3.54, p = 0.001), before the competition, but this difference was reduced after the competition from large to moderate significance for the forefoot and the heel (t = 2.84, p = 0.006 and t = 2.99 and p = 0.004) respectively. Lower forces after the ultra-endurance event may indicate compensation due to overuse; with less muscle contraction to control foot roll over for force distribution. Favouring of the right foot for weight bearing changed after the event with smaller differences, which could indicate increase loading of the left feet, which may result in injury. The number of females included in this study was relatively few and therefore the effect of gender in respect of plantar foot force exerted should be interpreted with caution. The novices recorded higher forces in the forefoot, after the competition. Similar results were found in other studies that reported increased pressures under the forefoot after long distance running. The latter findings may suggest that novices have a higher chance for overuse injury.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Sims, Gwenivere
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Human mechanics , Foot -- Abnormalities , Foot surgery
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10101 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012795 , Human mechanics , Foot -- Abnormalities , Foot surgery
- Description: The aim of this study was to determine the pre- and post-plantar force differences of athletes competing in an ultra-endurance event. The study was exploratory and quasi-experimental in nature and utilized a quantitative approach. A Quasi-experimental, one group pretest, posttest design was used. The study involved 84 participants selected by means of convenient sampling from a total of 1552 participants. The equipment used for data collection was the RS Footscan®, stadiometer and a weight scale. Differences between the plantar forces before and after the competition were significant for the sample group, indicating higher forces before the competition (t = -3.62, p = 0.001, d = 0.40). Gender, and novice and expert groupings had no significant effect on the plantar forces (t = 1.43, p = 0.155 and t = 0.21, p = 0.837) respectively. Gender groups had large significant differences between the left and right forefoot (t = 3.90, p = 0.000) and the heel (t = 3.54, p = 0.001), before the competition, but this difference was reduced after the competition from large to moderate significance for the forefoot and the heel (t = 2.84, p = 0.006 and t = 2.99 and p = 0.004) respectively. Lower forces after the ultra-endurance event may indicate compensation due to overuse; with less muscle contraction to control foot roll over for force distribution. Favouring of the right foot for weight bearing changed after the event with smaller differences, which could indicate increase loading of the left feet, which may result in injury. The number of females included in this study was relatively few and therefore the effect of gender in respect of plantar foot force exerted should be interpreted with caution. The novices recorded higher forces in the forefoot, after the competition. Similar results were found in other studies that reported increased pressures under the forefoot after long distance running. The latter findings may suggest that novices have a higher chance for overuse injury.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Pre and post computerized radiography film reject analysis in a private hospital in Kenya
- Authors: Batuka, Nabawesi Jennifer
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Radiography, Medical -- Digital techniques
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10075 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1574 , Radiography, Medical -- Digital techniques
- Description: The production of good quality radiographs is a complex process, given the high level of image quality required (Sniureviciute & Adliene, 2005: 260). Exposure of patients to x-rays, a factor in the production of quality radiographs also entails a risk of radiation injury. In 2006, computerized radiography (CR) was introduced at The Nairobi Hospital to try and reduce the film reject rate, decrease repeats, reduce financial costs of consumables like x-ray films and processing chemicals. However, to date, no formal film reject analysis has been conducted at The Nairobi Hospital. Four years after the incorporation of CR, there is apparently, still a significant number of film rejects, implying operational costs may still be high. The cause of film rejects and overall reject cost is not known. This has led to the research question: “Has the film reject rate in the A & E x-ray unit at The Nairobi Hospital reduced following incorporation of CR?” A quantitative, retrospective, descriptive study involving a reject film analysis of rejected radiographs in the Accident and Emergency (A&E) x-ray unit in the Nairobi Hospital, Kenya was conducted. The researcher collected data for a period of 6 months between 2/12/07 and 28/05/08 using a purpose-designed data collection form. All rejected x-ray films during the study period were included. Capture and analysis of the collected data was completed by the researcher using SPSS 10 and EPINFO computer packages. Permission to conduct the study was obtained from The Nairobi Hospital Education Committee and due consideration to patient and radiographer confidentiality was maintained throughout the study. A total of 851(2.5 percent) x-ray films were collected during the study period. Four hundred and fourteen (2.6 percent) radiographs and 437 (2.5 percent) radiographs were rejected prior to and after the incorporation of CR respectively. Chest radiographs were the most frequently rejected accounting for 277(66.9 percent) and 123 (28.1 percent) prior to and after the incorporation of CR respectively. The most frequently rejected film size was 35x35cm prior to the incorporation of CR (61.6 percent) and 26x35cm film size after the incorporation of CR (91.3 percent). The most frequent cause of film rejects was radiographer causes both prior to and after the incorporation of CR accounting for 496 (58.3 percent). The film reject rate did not significantly reduce after the incorporation of CR, suggesting that there are other factors which contribute to reject rate, other than CR. The study also shows that higher film consumption does not necessarily lead to high reject rates. The percentage value on annual rejects did not change after the incorporation of CR and a demonstrated increase in the annual cost of purchasing x-ray films was attributed to an increase in annual consumption after the incorporation of CR, and also to the higher cost of digital x-ray films. Despite some identified limitations to this study, some recommendations, which included conduction of regular reject analyses and regular continuing professional development with respect to radiographic technique amongst others, were suggested.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Batuka, Nabawesi Jennifer
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Radiography, Medical -- Digital techniques
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10075 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1574 , Radiography, Medical -- Digital techniques
- Description: The production of good quality radiographs is a complex process, given the high level of image quality required (Sniureviciute & Adliene, 2005: 260). Exposure of patients to x-rays, a factor in the production of quality radiographs also entails a risk of radiation injury. In 2006, computerized radiography (CR) was introduced at The Nairobi Hospital to try and reduce the film reject rate, decrease repeats, reduce financial costs of consumables like x-ray films and processing chemicals. However, to date, no formal film reject analysis has been conducted at The Nairobi Hospital. Four years after the incorporation of CR, there is apparently, still a significant number of film rejects, implying operational costs may still be high. The cause of film rejects and overall reject cost is not known. This has led to the research question: “Has the film reject rate in the A & E x-ray unit at The Nairobi Hospital reduced following incorporation of CR?” A quantitative, retrospective, descriptive study involving a reject film analysis of rejected radiographs in the Accident and Emergency (A&E) x-ray unit in the Nairobi Hospital, Kenya was conducted. The researcher collected data for a period of 6 months between 2/12/07 and 28/05/08 using a purpose-designed data collection form. All rejected x-ray films during the study period were included. Capture and analysis of the collected data was completed by the researcher using SPSS 10 and EPINFO computer packages. Permission to conduct the study was obtained from The Nairobi Hospital Education Committee and due consideration to patient and radiographer confidentiality was maintained throughout the study. A total of 851(2.5 percent) x-ray films were collected during the study period. Four hundred and fourteen (2.6 percent) radiographs and 437 (2.5 percent) radiographs were rejected prior to and after the incorporation of CR respectively. Chest radiographs were the most frequently rejected accounting for 277(66.9 percent) and 123 (28.1 percent) prior to and after the incorporation of CR respectively. The most frequently rejected film size was 35x35cm prior to the incorporation of CR (61.6 percent) and 26x35cm film size after the incorporation of CR (91.3 percent). The most frequent cause of film rejects was radiographer causes both prior to and after the incorporation of CR accounting for 496 (58.3 percent). The film reject rate did not significantly reduce after the incorporation of CR, suggesting that there are other factors which contribute to reject rate, other than CR. The study also shows that higher film consumption does not necessarily lead to high reject rates. The percentage value on annual rejects did not change after the incorporation of CR and a demonstrated increase in the annual cost of purchasing x-ray films was attributed to an increase in annual consumption after the incorporation of CR, and also to the higher cost of digital x-ray films. Despite some identified limitations to this study, some recommendations, which included conduction of regular reject analyses and regular continuing professional development with respect to radiographic technique amongst others, were suggested.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Psychofortology of adults recovering from substance-use disorders
- Authors: Bubb, Tanielle Carmen
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Substance-related disorders -- Therapy , Substance abuse -- Treatment , Substance abuse
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9870 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008117 , Substance-related disorders -- Therapy , Substance abuse -- Treatment , Substance abuse
- Description: Evaluating the psychofortology of adults recovering from a substance-use disorder has been identified as a research priority in South Africa. This is in line with calls from researchers in diverse fields of psychology for more attention to the resilience, strengths, resources and capacities of people. This study therefore aimed to explore and describe the coping resources, sense of coherence, happiness and satisfaction with life of adults recovering from a substance-use disorder within the Nelson Mandela Metropole. The sample consisted of 99 voluntary participants from various managed recovery centres within the Nelson Mandela Metropole. Participants were given a package of questionnaires to complete under the supervision of the researcher. The assessment consisted of a biographical questionnaire and four standardized paper and pencil measures namely; the Coping Resources Inventory (CRI), the Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC-29), the Affectometer 2 (AFM-2) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). A quantitative, non-experimental exploratory-descriptive research method was used. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient. Key findings include the following: Results on the CRI revealed low average mean scores on both the Coping Resources Inventory and within all the five subscales. Results of the SOC-29 revealed a high average mean score for sense of coherence. Results of the AFM-2 revealed that more positive affect than negative affect is present, resulting in happiness. Results of the SWLS revealed an average level of satisfaction with life, with most participants’ reporting neutral levels of satisfaction with life. There were significant positive correlations between the coping resources, sense of coherence, happiness and satisfaction with life of the sample. This implies that these constructs can be categorized under the subdiscipline of psychofortology. Overall, these findings emphasized the need for more research into adults recovering from a substance-use disorder.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Bubb, Tanielle Carmen
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Substance-related disorders -- Therapy , Substance abuse -- Treatment , Substance abuse
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9870 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008117 , Substance-related disorders -- Therapy , Substance abuse -- Treatment , Substance abuse
- Description: Evaluating the psychofortology of adults recovering from a substance-use disorder has been identified as a research priority in South Africa. This is in line with calls from researchers in diverse fields of psychology for more attention to the resilience, strengths, resources and capacities of people. This study therefore aimed to explore and describe the coping resources, sense of coherence, happiness and satisfaction with life of adults recovering from a substance-use disorder within the Nelson Mandela Metropole. The sample consisted of 99 voluntary participants from various managed recovery centres within the Nelson Mandela Metropole. Participants were given a package of questionnaires to complete under the supervision of the researcher. The assessment consisted of a biographical questionnaire and four standardized paper and pencil measures namely; the Coping Resources Inventory (CRI), the Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC-29), the Affectometer 2 (AFM-2) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). A quantitative, non-experimental exploratory-descriptive research method was used. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient. Key findings include the following: Results on the CRI revealed low average mean scores on both the Coping Resources Inventory and within all the five subscales. Results of the SOC-29 revealed a high average mean score for sense of coherence. Results of the AFM-2 revealed that more positive affect than negative affect is present, resulting in happiness. Results of the SWLS revealed an average level of satisfaction with life, with most participants’ reporting neutral levels of satisfaction with life. There were significant positive correlations between the coping resources, sense of coherence, happiness and satisfaction with life of the sample. This implies that these constructs can be categorized under the subdiscipline of psychofortology. Overall, these findings emphasized the need for more research into adults recovering from a substance-use disorder.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
The experiences of professional nurses working in outpatient departments of the introduction of the Batho Pele Principles in state hospitals
- Authors: Miza, Thenjiwe Mildred
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Nurse and patient -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Hospitals -- Outpatient services -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10023 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1421 , Nurse and patient -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Hospitals -- Outpatient services -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: After 1994 with the inception of the South African Democratic Government, the health care delivery system was one of the areas that had to be reviewed. The vehicle for a comprehensive health care system was based on primary health care which encouraged people and patients to take responsibility for their health by being involved in all aspects of their care. For this purpose the Batho Pele principles were introduced, a concept which is informed by 8 principles, namely: consultation, service standards, access, courtesy, information, openness and transparency, redress and value for money. These principles are meant to restore the dignity and the rights of patients which are paramount in the Constitution of South Africa. (Constitution of South Africa 108 of 1996 Chapter 2) The nurses claim that since the introduction of the Batho Pele Principles, patients and their families have been “impossible” towards nurses, making unnecessary and sometimes impossible demands. The nurses also experience patients and their families as being informed of their “rights” but not of their responsibilities as patients. They were also unaware of the rights of the nurses. The objectives of the study were:- To explore and describe the experiences of professional nurses working in the outpatient departments of the introduction of the Batho Pele principles in state hospitals, and to Recommend guidelines that will enhance better understanding and implementation of the Batho Pele principles by the professional nurses. The study is founded on a qualitative research paradigm based on explorative, descriptive and contextual framework. The data was collected from focus groups from each hospital of the Port Elizabeth Hospital Complex. Each group consisted of four to six willing participants all of them were professional nurses who have worked at least five or more years in the outpatient department of the Port Elizabeth Hospital Complex. Data was collected via semi-structured audio-taped interviews together with the researcher’s field notes. Data analysis was done using Tesch’s data analysis spiral. The assistance of independent coder reinforced the truth value of the findings. Themes and subthemes emerged from the data that was collected and revealed that the professional nurses experienced that the Batho Pele Principles as a good policy, but that it was difficulty to uphold due to inadequate planning of health services prior to implementation of the Batho Pele Principles. They experience not getting from their management and they also experience that there was lack of discipline in their institutions. Based on these findings, guidelines that will recommend better implementation of the Batho Pele Principles by nurses were compiled by the researcher and future research in this regard was recommended.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Miza, Thenjiwe Mildred
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Nurse and patient -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Hospitals -- Outpatient services -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10023 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1421 , Nurse and patient -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Hospitals -- Outpatient services -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: After 1994 with the inception of the South African Democratic Government, the health care delivery system was one of the areas that had to be reviewed. The vehicle for a comprehensive health care system was based on primary health care which encouraged people and patients to take responsibility for their health by being involved in all aspects of their care. For this purpose the Batho Pele principles were introduced, a concept which is informed by 8 principles, namely: consultation, service standards, access, courtesy, information, openness and transparency, redress and value for money. These principles are meant to restore the dignity and the rights of patients which are paramount in the Constitution of South Africa. (Constitution of South Africa 108 of 1996 Chapter 2) The nurses claim that since the introduction of the Batho Pele Principles, patients and their families have been “impossible” towards nurses, making unnecessary and sometimes impossible demands. The nurses also experience patients and their families as being informed of their “rights” but not of their responsibilities as patients. They were also unaware of the rights of the nurses. The objectives of the study were:- To explore and describe the experiences of professional nurses working in the outpatient departments of the introduction of the Batho Pele principles in state hospitals, and to Recommend guidelines that will enhance better understanding and implementation of the Batho Pele principles by the professional nurses. The study is founded on a qualitative research paradigm based on explorative, descriptive and contextual framework. The data was collected from focus groups from each hospital of the Port Elizabeth Hospital Complex. Each group consisted of four to six willing participants all of them were professional nurses who have worked at least five or more years in the outpatient department of the Port Elizabeth Hospital Complex. Data was collected via semi-structured audio-taped interviews together with the researcher’s field notes. Data analysis was done using Tesch’s data analysis spiral. The assistance of independent coder reinforced the truth value of the findings. Themes and subthemes emerged from the data that was collected and revealed that the professional nurses experienced that the Batho Pele Principles as a good policy, but that it was difficulty to uphold due to inadequate planning of health services prior to implementation of the Batho Pele Principles. They experience not getting from their management and they also experience that there was lack of discipline in their institutions. Based on these findings, guidelines that will recommend better implementation of the Batho Pele Principles by nurses were compiled by the researcher and future research in this regard was recommended.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
The general and emotional development of a sample of South African children in residential care
- Authors: Wills, Nicolene
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Children -- Institutional care -- South Africa , Child psychopathology -- Residential treatment -- South Africa , Children -- Services for -- South Africa , Child welfare -- South Africa , Child care services -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9856 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1578 , Children -- Institutional care -- South Africa , Child psychopathology -- Residential treatment -- South Africa , Children -- Services for -- South Africa , Child welfare -- South Africa , Child care services -- South Africa
- Description: The main aim of this study was to explore and describe the general and emotional development of a sample of South African children between the age of five and eight years in residential care. More specifically, the study aimed to explore and describe the general level of development of a sample of children in residential care; to explore and describe the development of a sample of children in residential care in six areas of development; and to describe the emotional wellbeing of children in residential care. A non-probability, purposive sampling method was applied as the participants were comprised of children between the ages of 5 and 8 years housed at the residential care facility. The sample consisted of 11 children. The multiple case study method was used to achieve the aim of the study, using both qualitative and quantitative data. The quantitative data consisted of scores obtained from the administration of the Griffiths Mental Development Scales - Extended Revised (GMDS-ER). The qualitative data was obtained from the Human Figure Drawing (HFD), participants’ scholastic progress reports, case reports from the residential care facility and clinical observations during the assessment period. The data was analysed according to thematic analysis. The results highlighted the pervasiveness of delays in all domains of child development of children housed in residential care, specifically that of language, social and emotional development. An important finding of the study was that decrements in these domains of development underpinned delays in the other domains of development since they form the foundation of learning and relating to the world. The study served to emphasize the importance of consistent developmental assessment in order to ascertain whether these children present with developmental delays and, if so, to xv identify which areas of development are most affected. Information from the developmental assessments could assist in the early identification of developmental delays and allow for individually tailored interventions to overcome such delays.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Wills, Nicolene
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Children -- Institutional care -- South Africa , Child psychopathology -- Residential treatment -- South Africa , Children -- Services for -- South Africa , Child welfare -- South Africa , Child care services -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9856 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1578 , Children -- Institutional care -- South Africa , Child psychopathology -- Residential treatment -- South Africa , Children -- Services for -- South Africa , Child welfare -- South Africa , Child care services -- South Africa
- Description: The main aim of this study was to explore and describe the general and emotional development of a sample of South African children between the age of five and eight years in residential care. More specifically, the study aimed to explore and describe the general level of development of a sample of children in residential care; to explore and describe the development of a sample of children in residential care in six areas of development; and to describe the emotional wellbeing of children in residential care. A non-probability, purposive sampling method was applied as the participants were comprised of children between the ages of 5 and 8 years housed at the residential care facility. The sample consisted of 11 children. The multiple case study method was used to achieve the aim of the study, using both qualitative and quantitative data. The quantitative data consisted of scores obtained from the administration of the Griffiths Mental Development Scales - Extended Revised (GMDS-ER). The qualitative data was obtained from the Human Figure Drawing (HFD), participants’ scholastic progress reports, case reports from the residential care facility and clinical observations during the assessment period. The data was analysed according to thematic analysis. The results highlighted the pervasiveness of delays in all domains of child development of children housed in residential care, specifically that of language, social and emotional development. An important finding of the study was that decrements in these domains of development underpinned delays in the other domains of development since they form the foundation of learning and relating to the world. The study served to emphasize the importance of consistent developmental assessment in order to ascertain whether these children present with developmental delays and, if so, to xv identify which areas of development are most affected. Information from the developmental assessments could assist in the early identification of developmental delays and allow for individually tailored interventions to overcome such delays.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
The general development and cognitive ability of a sample of children in specialized education
- Authors: Andrews, Samantha Lee
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Special education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Children with disabilities -- Education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Child development -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Griffiths Development Scales
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9951 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015714
- Description: The main aim of this study was to explore and describe the development and cognitive ability of a sample of children aged six to eight enrolled in specialised education, in the category of specific learning disability (SLD). This was achieved through the utilization of the Griffiths-Mental Development Scales – Extended Revised, the Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children – Fourth Edition and input from the trans-disciplinary team. A non-probability, purposive sampling method was employed and the sample consisted of eight participants. The multiple case study method was used in order to achieve the aim of the study. Both qualitative and quantitative data were incorporated to provide a holistic description of the participants. Quantitative data was obtained from the Griffiths-Mental Development Scales – Extended Revised, the Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children – Fourth Edition while qualitative data was obtained from the Biographical Questionnaire, input from members of the trans-disciplinary team, data from the participants‟ archives as well as clinical observations made during the assessment process. The data was analysed according to the domains of childhood development.The results obtained revealed that the general development of the sample as measured by the Griffiths-Mental Development Scales – Extended Revised was average. The Eye and Hand Co-ordination Subscale was the most problematic for the participants. The majority of the sample obtained below average scores on the Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children – Fourth Edition‟s full scale IQ (FSIQ). The Verbal Reasoning Index and the Working Memory Index yielded the lowest scores amongst the sample. The results indicated that the majority of the participants are stronger with non-verbal as opposed to verbal reasoning. The study revealed that the two measures, the Griffiths-Mental Development Scales – Extended Revised, the Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children – Fourth Edition complement one another. The developmental and intellectual nature of the measures allow for gaps left by the one measure to be filled by the other. The study highlighted the importance of gaining information from the trans-disciplinary team and not relying purely on psychometric measures. It was made clear through the study that deficits often exist that are not picked up by assessment measures alone. In order to gain a comprehensive, holistic picture of a child, one needs to consult a variety of sources. Questions regarding the classification system of high needs learners as well as the current system of specialised education were raised.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Andrews, Samantha Lee
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Special education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Children with disabilities -- Education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Child development -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Griffiths Development Scales
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9951 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015714
- Description: The main aim of this study was to explore and describe the development and cognitive ability of a sample of children aged six to eight enrolled in specialised education, in the category of specific learning disability (SLD). This was achieved through the utilization of the Griffiths-Mental Development Scales – Extended Revised, the Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children – Fourth Edition and input from the trans-disciplinary team. A non-probability, purposive sampling method was employed and the sample consisted of eight participants. The multiple case study method was used in order to achieve the aim of the study. Both qualitative and quantitative data were incorporated to provide a holistic description of the participants. Quantitative data was obtained from the Griffiths-Mental Development Scales – Extended Revised, the Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children – Fourth Edition while qualitative data was obtained from the Biographical Questionnaire, input from members of the trans-disciplinary team, data from the participants‟ archives as well as clinical observations made during the assessment process. The data was analysed according to the domains of childhood development.The results obtained revealed that the general development of the sample as measured by the Griffiths-Mental Development Scales – Extended Revised was average. The Eye and Hand Co-ordination Subscale was the most problematic for the participants. The majority of the sample obtained below average scores on the Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children – Fourth Edition‟s full scale IQ (FSIQ). The Verbal Reasoning Index and the Working Memory Index yielded the lowest scores amongst the sample. The results indicated that the majority of the participants are stronger with non-verbal as opposed to verbal reasoning. The study revealed that the two measures, the Griffiths-Mental Development Scales – Extended Revised, the Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children – Fourth Edition complement one another. The developmental and intellectual nature of the measures allow for gaps left by the one measure to be filled by the other. The study highlighted the importance of gaining information from the trans-disciplinary team and not relying purely on psychometric measures. It was made clear through the study that deficits often exist that are not picked up by assessment measures alone. In order to gain a comprehensive, holistic picture of a child, one needs to consult a variety of sources. Questions regarding the classification system of high needs learners as well as the current system of specialised education were raised.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
The lived experience of meaning in life and satisfaction with life among older adults
- Authors: Cooper, Holly
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Meaning (Psychology) , Satisfaction , Old age , Old age homes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4398 , vital:20595
- Description: The purpose of the study was to explore and describe the meaning in life and satisfaction with life of the elderly living in the old age institutions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Cooper, Holly
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Meaning (Psychology) , Satisfaction , Old age , Old age homes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4398 , vital:20595
- Description: The purpose of the study was to explore and describe the meaning in life and satisfaction with life of the elderly living in the old age institutions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
The relationship between self-efficacy and ways of coping of first-year university students
- Authors: Goss, Joanne Kate
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Self-efficacy , Control (Psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9860 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1555 , Self-efficacy , Control (Psychology)
- Description: This is a quantitative, exploratory study focusing on self-efficacy and ways of coping of male and female first-year psychology students at a university in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. The study aimed to explore and describe the relationship between The General Perceived Self- Efficacy Scale and the Ways of Coping Questionnaire of first-year university psychology students. A non-probability convenience sampling technique was employed. The sample consisted of 34 males and 94 females between the ages of 18 and 21 years, who were registered for a first-year psychology module. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. The results showed moderate correlations between general perceived self-efficacy and problem-focused and focusing on the positive as ways of coping. In addition, the results showed significant relationships between general perceived self-efficacy and problem-focused coping, seeking social support and focusing on the positive as ways of coping. Gender differences with regards to the constructs of coping and self-efficacy were also explored. Limitations of the present research were noted and recommendations for future research were proposed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Goss, Joanne Kate
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Self-efficacy , Control (Psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9860 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1555 , Self-efficacy , Control (Psychology)
- Description: This is a quantitative, exploratory study focusing on self-efficacy and ways of coping of male and female first-year psychology students at a university in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. The study aimed to explore and describe the relationship between The General Perceived Self- Efficacy Scale and the Ways of Coping Questionnaire of first-year university psychology students. A non-probability convenience sampling technique was employed. The sample consisted of 34 males and 94 females between the ages of 18 and 21 years, who were registered for a first-year psychology module. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. The results showed moderate correlations between general perceived self-efficacy and problem-focused and focusing on the positive as ways of coping. In addition, the results showed significant relationships between general perceived self-efficacy and problem-focused coping, seeking social support and focusing on the positive as ways of coping. Gender differences with regards to the constructs of coping and self-efficacy were also explored. Limitations of the present research were noted and recommendations for future research were proposed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
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