Self-esteem and traumatic stress severity in individuals from individualists and collectivists’ perspectives
- Authors: Singh, Romisha
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Post-traumatic stress disorder , Self-esteem Self-esteem -- Cross-cultural studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23186 , vital:30451
- Description: It is evident that traumatic stress influences cultures differently but how this happens is still unclear. It may be assumed that the differences in PTSD severity between independent and interdependent cultures may exist due to the differential influence of individual self-esteem. Although some international research is prevalent, none address the issue of self-esteem and the cultural element of independent vs interdependent specifically and to the knowledge of the researcher no similar South African research exists. To investigate whether independent or interdependent classification mediates the influence of individual self-esteem on traumatic stress severity, a quantitative correlational design is used. Based on a sample size of N=197, an independent sample t-test – with unequal group sizes - suggested that individuals from independent and interdependent cultures reportedly expressed post-traumatic symptomology similarly. Results from the ANCOVA have indicated that individual self-esteem does not influence traumatic stress severity and that independently classified White English speaking participants between the ages of 21-30 are more likely to experience higher levels of traumatic stress severity as opposed to interdependently classified Coloured Afrikaans speaking participants between the ages of 21-30. Finally, chi-square analysis indicated that ethnicity cannot be deemed as a variable that can predict culture classification. However, the varying home language preferences in cultures suggest a possibility of varying ethnic identities within each of the ethnic groups.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Singh, Romisha
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Post-traumatic stress disorder , Self-esteem Self-esteem -- Cross-cultural studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23186 , vital:30451
- Description: It is evident that traumatic stress influences cultures differently but how this happens is still unclear. It may be assumed that the differences in PTSD severity between independent and interdependent cultures may exist due to the differential influence of individual self-esteem. Although some international research is prevalent, none address the issue of self-esteem and the cultural element of independent vs interdependent specifically and to the knowledge of the researcher no similar South African research exists. To investigate whether independent or interdependent classification mediates the influence of individual self-esteem on traumatic stress severity, a quantitative correlational design is used. Based on a sample size of N=197, an independent sample t-test – with unequal group sizes - suggested that individuals from independent and interdependent cultures reportedly expressed post-traumatic symptomology similarly. Results from the ANCOVA have indicated that individual self-esteem does not influence traumatic stress severity and that independently classified White English speaking participants between the ages of 21-30 are more likely to experience higher levels of traumatic stress severity as opposed to interdependently classified Coloured Afrikaans speaking participants between the ages of 21-30. Finally, chi-square analysis indicated that ethnicity cannot be deemed as a variable that can predict culture classification. However, the varying home language preferences in cultures suggest a possibility of varying ethnic identities within each of the ethnic groups.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Semi-rural community pharmacists’ perceptions of their future role in the national health insurance
- Authors: Pambuka, Simbongile Patrick
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: National health insurance -- South Africa , Health care reform -- South Africa Pharmacy -- Practice -- South Africa Community health services -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23027 , vital:30396
- Description: The healthcare system in South Africa is currently characterised by distinctly different public and private sectors. The public sector services approximately 84% of the population while the private sector services the smaller portion, 16% of the population. However, the expenditure in both the private and public sectors is almost the same, with approximately five times more being spent per capita in the private sector than in the public sector. The South African health care system is therefore unbalanced with respect to expenditure per capita resulting in inequitable access to and quality of health services. In particular, the public sector is very under-resourced relative to the population and disease burden that it serves. In order to address the inequities inherent in the current two-tiered system, the South African government is in the process of introducing a National Health Insurance (NHI). The NHI will provide a means of pooling all healthcare funding, thereby providing a means of cross subsidization of the public sector. Funding contributions will be linked to an individual’s ability-to-pay and benefits will be determined by an individual’s need for care. It has been suggested that within an NHI system private pharmacies may be contracted through service agreements to provide both chronic and acute medicines. However, there are currently no policies that have been developed specifying the roles and functions of pharmacists in the NHI, and in a re-engineered Primary Health Care system. Furthermore, research suggests that the majority of pharmacists do not believe that the NHI is a suitable means to address South Africa’s healthcare problems and many do not agree with the principles behind it. This study used a qualitative approach in order to provide a comprehensive exploration of the attitudes and perceptions of community pharmacists in the semirural Eastern Cape towards the NHI as well as their future role and function within it. In this explorative and descriptive study, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with community pharmacists within a 60km radius of Queenstown in the Eastern Cape. The interviews were digitally recorded and then transcribed. The transcriptions were coded and thematically analysed using computer assisted qualitative data analysis software - Atlas.ti®. It is envisaged that this understanding will provide a basis for addressing pharmacists’ concerns and may contribute towards the further development of the role and the scope of practice of community pharmacists in the NHI.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Pambuka, Simbongile Patrick
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: National health insurance -- South Africa , Health care reform -- South Africa Pharmacy -- Practice -- South Africa Community health services -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23027 , vital:30396
- Description: The healthcare system in South Africa is currently characterised by distinctly different public and private sectors. The public sector services approximately 84% of the population while the private sector services the smaller portion, 16% of the population. However, the expenditure in both the private and public sectors is almost the same, with approximately five times more being spent per capita in the private sector than in the public sector. The South African health care system is therefore unbalanced with respect to expenditure per capita resulting in inequitable access to and quality of health services. In particular, the public sector is very under-resourced relative to the population and disease burden that it serves. In order to address the inequities inherent in the current two-tiered system, the South African government is in the process of introducing a National Health Insurance (NHI). The NHI will provide a means of pooling all healthcare funding, thereby providing a means of cross subsidization of the public sector. Funding contributions will be linked to an individual’s ability-to-pay and benefits will be determined by an individual’s need for care. It has been suggested that within an NHI system private pharmacies may be contracted through service agreements to provide both chronic and acute medicines. However, there are currently no policies that have been developed specifying the roles and functions of pharmacists in the NHI, and in a re-engineered Primary Health Care system. Furthermore, research suggests that the majority of pharmacists do not believe that the NHI is a suitable means to address South Africa’s healthcare problems and many do not agree with the principles behind it. This study used a qualitative approach in order to provide a comprehensive exploration of the attitudes and perceptions of community pharmacists in the semirural Eastern Cape towards the NHI as well as their future role and function within it. In this explorative and descriptive study, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with community pharmacists within a 60km radius of Queenstown in the Eastern Cape. The interviews were digitally recorded and then transcribed. The transcriptions were coded and thematically analysed using computer assisted qualitative data analysis software - Atlas.ti®. It is envisaged that this understanding will provide a basis for addressing pharmacists’ concerns and may contribute towards the further development of the role and the scope of practice of community pharmacists in the NHI.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Service delivery protests in Hammanskraal, Pretoria
- Authors: Mnguni, Godfrey Sibusiso
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Protest movements -- South Africa -- Pretoria , Community development -- South Africa -- Pretoria Municipal services -- South Africa -- Pretoria Local government -- services -- South Africa -- Pretoria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32226 , vital:31989
- Description: The purpose of the research was to investigate and explain the factors that contributed to service delivery protests in the Hammanskraal area, Pretoria, South Africa (SA). The focus was to identify the perceived critical and aggravating factors leading to protest actions by residents and the communities in the Hammanskraal area. The unprecedented service delivery protests and demonstrations across the majority of municipalities in SA are well documented. On-going and continuous protest actions since the commencement of democracy occurs despite limited successes in some areas in terms of the provision of electricity and access to clean portable water. The study followed a mixed method approach which included a qualitative and quantitative research approach. Quantitative data were collected and interpreted along with an in-depth literature review and analysis. The study identified the critical factors that contributed to continuous service delivery protests. The identified factors were not unique to the Hammanskraal area and included: poor public participation processes; mismanagement of funds; lack of capacity, and poor public participation processes that are cited as a common factor amongst the leading reasons for rampant service delivery protests across the country. The underlying and aggravating factors that fuelled the service delivery protest in the Hammanskraal area were identified as: the lack and poor delivery of basic services; perceived corruption, and political opportunism. The study concluded that communities engage in protest action and mass mobilisation as the last resort following failed engagements with political leaders and the SA Government. The failed engagements are primarily due to unfulfilled promises and failures of Government to deliver on the catalogue of basic services that communities are entitled to as enshrined in the Constitution.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mnguni, Godfrey Sibusiso
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Protest movements -- South Africa -- Pretoria , Community development -- South Africa -- Pretoria Municipal services -- South Africa -- Pretoria Local government -- services -- South Africa -- Pretoria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32226 , vital:31989
- Description: The purpose of the research was to investigate and explain the factors that contributed to service delivery protests in the Hammanskraal area, Pretoria, South Africa (SA). The focus was to identify the perceived critical and aggravating factors leading to protest actions by residents and the communities in the Hammanskraal area. The unprecedented service delivery protests and demonstrations across the majority of municipalities in SA are well documented. On-going and continuous protest actions since the commencement of democracy occurs despite limited successes in some areas in terms of the provision of electricity and access to clean portable water. The study followed a mixed method approach which included a qualitative and quantitative research approach. Quantitative data were collected and interpreted along with an in-depth literature review and analysis. The study identified the critical factors that contributed to continuous service delivery protests. The identified factors were not unique to the Hammanskraal area and included: poor public participation processes; mismanagement of funds; lack of capacity, and poor public participation processes that are cited as a common factor amongst the leading reasons for rampant service delivery protests across the country. The underlying and aggravating factors that fuelled the service delivery protest in the Hammanskraal area were identified as: the lack and poor delivery of basic services; perceived corruption, and political opportunism. The study concluded that communities engage in protest action and mass mobilisation as the last resort following failed engagements with political leaders and the SA Government. The failed engagements are primarily due to unfulfilled promises and failures of Government to deliver on the catalogue of basic services that communities are entitled to as enshrined in the Constitution.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Sexual relationship power in negotiating safer sex practices amongst female university students in heterosexual relationships
- Authors: Simmers, Lionel
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Sex (Psychology) , Psychosexual development Safe sex in AIDS prevention Couples -- Sexual behavior Communication -- Sex differences
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35689 , vital:33777
- Description: The structural effects of patriarchy, culture and socially constructed gender roles on women‟s identities, sexuality and relationship power is still a relatively under-researched area within South Africa. This study aimed to explore and describe the sexual relationship power of female university students in negotiating for safer sex practices, as women between 18 and 25 years of age are considered the most at-risk cohort for HIV and sexual health related risk and infection. The study utilized purposive sampling techniques, selecting young women and men to explore the influence of culture, socially constructions, gender, sexuality and sexual relationship power in negotiating for safer sex. Data was collected via semi structured individual interviews with 5 female participants and a focus group discussion with 8 female and 3 male participants. All data collection procedures were conducted in English, as this is the language of instruction at the institution. The data was analysed using a six-phase model for thematic analysis. The study used an interpretivist lens to allow the participants understanding of their experiences with the phenomenon of sexual relationship power. The findings revealed that gender, power and sexuality are contradictory and contested terrains. Traditional gender discourses make men‟s greater power within heterosexual relationships appear normal. Yet, the results reveal that gender identities and roles, and sexual relationship power is tension filled and that these individuals experience discontinuities and gaps in their power. This is apparent in the women participants‟ assertion that their personal sexual relationship power depends on the context. This means that men do not enjoy overall power and that these breaks in power hold promise for the construction and creation of newer forms of gender behaviour which will give women‟s identities greater power in expressing themselves in their sexual relationships and will equip them to better protect their sexual health.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Simmers, Lionel
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Sex (Psychology) , Psychosexual development Safe sex in AIDS prevention Couples -- Sexual behavior Communication -- Sex differences
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35689 , vital:33777
- Description: The structural effects of patriarchy, culture and socially constructed gender roles on women‟s identities, sexuality and relationship power is still a relatively under-researched area within South Africa. This study aimed to explore and describe the sexual relationship power of female university students in negotiating for safer sex practices, as women between 18 and 25 years of age are considered the most at-risk cohort for HIV and sexual health related risk and infection. The study utilized purposive sampling techniques, selecting young women and men to explore the influence of culture, socially constructions, gender, sexuality and sexual relationship power in negotiating for safer sex. Data was collected via semi structured individual interviews with 5 female participants and a focus group discussion with 8 female and 3 male participants. All data collection procedures were conducted in English, as this is the language of instruction at the institution. The data was analysed using a six-phase model for thematic analysis. The study used an interpretivist lens to allow the participants understanding of their experiences with the phenomenon of sexual relationship power. The findings revealed that gender, power and sexuality are contradictory and contested terrains. Traditional gender discourses make men‟s greater power within heterosexual relationships appear normal. Yet, the results reveal that gender identities and roles, and sexual relationship power is tension filled and that these individuals experience discontinuities and gaps in their power. This is apparent in the women participants‟ assertion that their personal sexual relationship power depends on the context. This means that men do not enjoy overall power and that these breaks in power hold promise for the construction and creation of newer forms of gender behaviour which will give women‟s identities greater power in expressing themselves in their sexual relationships and will equip them to better protect their sexual health.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Small town revitalisation in Intsika Yethu Municipality: Cofimvaba and Tsomo
- Authors: Koyo, Siyabulela
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Urbanization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Cities and towns -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/31005 , vital:31271
- Description: Bernstein (2000) defines small towns in South Africa as settlements in commercial farming areas as well as former or dense homeland towns. These settlements are usually said to lack higher-level services and facilities, which usually leads to their decline (Donaldson & Marais, 2012). The above is likely due to the experiences of rapid urbanisation, which facilitated the decline of the agricultural sector and rural jobs. The research examined the challenges facing small towns in South Africa and sought possible solutions to address issues relating particularly to infrastructure, public and social amenities as well as institutional arrangements and socio-economic growth through small towns revitalisation. The case study for the purposes of the research focuses on two major towns in the Intsika Yethu Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province, namely Cofimvaba and Tsomo. Research questions relate to the policy frameworks, institutional arrangements and funding that are able to guide revitalization efforts in rural municipalities to enhance an environment that fosters socio-economic development. Ultimately the research attempted to establish whether the revitalisation efforts have resulted in discernible improvements across the challenges that have been identified in Cofimvaba and Tsomo, the two principle towns in the Intsika Yethu Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province. The overall aim of the research is to assess the impacts of efforts by the various spheres of government to revitalize Cofimvaba and Tsomo. Several specific objectives were identified. These include a literature review on challenges facing small towns, particularly in developing countries such as South Africa, and strategies to address their revitalization; an assessment of the socio-economic status of a sample of residents in the two towns; to conduct research in Cofimvaba and Tsomo to review government strategies and interventions to revitalize these towns; an opinion survey among formal businesses and business structures to assess the impacts of the revitalization efforts on the business sector; and, finally, to use the findings of the research to make recommendations to the various stakeholder iv groups in Cofimvaba and Tsomo in order to support the efforts of government to revitalize the towns. The methodology adopted for the purposes of the research, is a mixed approach making use of qualitative and qualitative approaches. Quantitative data was gathered from the municipal Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and the government departments’ implementation plans. Qualitative data was gathered by focussing on interviews with people living within the towns of Cofimvaba and Tsomo, the business community and municipal officials. Findings related to improved livelihoods show that most interviewed individuals are middle to lower income earners, meaning that there is a high proportion of people who are likely to be dependent on the state for assistance. Challenges that have been noted by municipal officials, range from issues relating to illegal building constructions to invasion of land earmarked for development and funding for development initiatives. It became apparent that there is limited knowledge of small town revitalisation from both the municipal officials and the citizens that were interviewed. In light of the above findings there are a number of recommendations which range from firstly a better application of the Back-to-basics approach, to the idea of better service delivery that has been introduced in all local municipalities. This calls for local government to serve their communities better by being responsive and accountable during the delivery of any service. Secondly, improved institutional collaborations are the key to small town revitalisation, through knowledge sharing and funding provision. Thirdly, by-laws and developmental plans are to be formulated in collaboration with the key role players, as they are paramount in attracting prospective inward investments to the towns. Lastly any revitalisation efforts are to incorporate the town’s culture and diversity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Koyo, Siyabulela
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Urbanization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Cities and towns -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/31005 , vital:31271
- Description: Bernstein (2000) defines small towns in South Africa as settlements in commercial farming areas as well as former or dense homeland towns. These settlements are usually said to lack higher-level services and facilities, which usually leads to their decline (Donaldson & Marais, 2012). The above is likely due to the experiences of rapid urbanisation, which facilitated the decline of the agricultural sector and rural jobs. The research examined the challenges facing small towns in South Africa and sought possible solutions to address issues relating particularly to infrastructure, public and social amenities as well as institutional arrangements and socio-economic growth through small towns revitalisation. The case study for the purposes of the research focuses on two major towns in the Intsika Yethu Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province, namely Cofimvaba and Tsomo. Research questions relate to the policy frameworks, institutional arrangements and funding that are able to guide revitalization efforts in rural municipalities to enhance an environment that fosters socio-economic development. Ultimately the research attempted to establish whether the revitalisation efforts have resulted in discernible improvements across the challenges that have been identified in Cofimvaba and Tsomo, the two principle towns in the Intsika Yethu Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province. The overall aim of the research is to assess the impacts of efforts by the various spheres of government to revitalize Cofimvaba and Tsomo. Several specific objectives were identified. These include a literature review on challenges facing small towns, particularly in developing countries such as South Africa, and strategies to address their revitalization; an assessment of the socio-economic status of a sample of residents in the two towns; to conduct research in Cofimvaba and Tsomo to review government strategies and interventions to revitalize these towns; an opinion survey among formal businesses and business structures to assess the impacts of the revitalization efforts on the business sector; and, finally, to use the findings of the research to make recommendations to the various stakeholder iv groups in Cofimvaba and Tsomo in order to support the efforts of government to revitalize the towns. The methodology adopted for the purposes of the research, is a mixed approach making use of qualitative and qualitative approaches. Quantitative data was gathered from the municipal Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and the government departments’ implementation plans. Qualitative data was gathered by focussing on interviews with people living within the towns of Cofimvaba and Tsomo, the business community and municipal officials. Findings related to improved livelihoods show that most interviewed individuals are middle to lower income earners, meaning that there is a high proportion of people who are likely to be dependent on the state for assistance. Challenges that have been noted by municipal officials, range from issues relating to illegal building constructions to invasion of land earmarked for development and funding for development initiatives. It became apparent that there is limited knowledge of small town revitalisation from both the municipal officials and the citizens that were interviewed. In light of the above findings there are a number of recommendations which range from firstly a better application of the Back-to-basics approach, to the idea of better service delivery that has been introduced in all local municipalities. This calls for local government to serve their communities better by being responsive and accountable during the delivery of any service. Secondly, improved institutional collaborations are the key to small town revitalisation, through knowledge sharing and funding provision. Thirdly, by-laws and developmental plans are to be formulated in collaboration with the key role players, as they are paramount in attracting prospective inward investments to the towns. Lastly any revitalisation efforts are to incorporate the town’s culture and diversity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Social needs as a driver of social innovation
- Authors: Dunn, Nicole Luciélle
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Social change , Social evolution Social entrepreneurship Community development -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21823 , vital:29782
- Description: Social innovation has been contextualised as a new way of resolving deeply entrenched development issues. The identification and resolution of social needs is said to be the driving force of social innovation. With features such as sustainability and scalability, social innovation has the potential to change the way we perceive and engage with development in the future. This research takes a critical look at how the social needs as a means to an end of social innovation, is identified. Previous research did not investigate the methodology of how these needs were identified and the question then arose as to how responsive the corresponding resolutions could be in resolving the need. Interviews were conducted with the founders of organisations that were considered socially innovative. Each founder was asked to detail the processes that took place in the social need identification that their respective organisation sought to resolve along with their personal journey towards becoming a founder, to gain a rich understanding of what shaped their approach to need identification. Organisations that were most critically responsive to the social needs identified were those that either 1) personally experienced deprivation of a social need in their own lives, or 2) had extensive engagement and exposure to individuals who had personally experienced the deprivation of a social need. It was evident that both the identification and corresponding resolution of social needs for social innovation require an approach that holds experiencers of the deprivation at the nucleus of the resolution. This methodology needs to be incorporated in the theory of social innovation and implemented in practice.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Dunn, Nicole Luciélle
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Social change , Social evolution Social entrepreneurship Community development -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21823 , vital:29782
- Description: Social innovation has been contextualised as a new way of resolving deeply entrenched development issues. The identification and resolution of social needs is said to be the driving force of social innovation. With features such as sustainability and scalability, social innovation has the potential to change the way we perceive and engage with development in the future. This research takes a critical look at how the social needs as a means to an end of social innovation, is identified. Previous research did not investigate the methodology of how these needs were identified and the question then arose as to how responsive the corresponding resolutions could be in resolving the need. Interviews were conducted with the founders of organisations that were considered socially innovative. Each founder was asked to detail the processes that took place in the social need identification that their respective organisation sought to resolve along with their personal journey towards becoming a founder, to gain a rich understanding of what shaped their approach to need identification. Organisations that were most critically responsive to the social needs identified were those that either 1) personally experienced deprivation of a social need in their own lives, or 2) had extensive engagement and exposure to individuals who had personally experienced the deprivation of a social need. It was evident that both the identification and corresponding resolution of social needs for social innovation require an approach that holds experiencers of the deprivation at the nucleus of the resolution. This methodology needs to be incorporated in the theory of social innovation and implemented in practice.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Staff perceptions of workplace bullying in a South African higher education institution
- Authors: Adesemowo, Bosede Olaitan
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Bullying in the workplace , Harassment Work environment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23404 , vital:30539
- Description: During the past decade bullying has received growing attention in organizational research. Workplace bullying is a complex phenomenon with a variety of situational, dispositional and systemic influences and it has been defined as “status-blind interpersonal hostility that is deliberate, repeated and sufficiently severe as to harm the targeted person's health or economic status” (Namie, 2003:3). A literature overview revealed the destructive consequences of bullying, such as trauma, suicide, depression, anxiety, stress, lowered self-esteem, anger and a lessening of productivity for both the individuals and the organizations concerned. This study presents the perceptions of staff members, in the form of recognized trade union representatives, of workplace bullying at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. The theoretical framework that informed the study comprised the dispositional and the ecological model that emphasised Ubuntu and the cultural values of the University. The research approach was carried out through qualitative and exploratory methods. Through primary and secondary data collection, a purposive sample of semi-structured interviews was collected in the context of the aim and the objectives of the study. It analysed the importance of an anti-bullying policy, management styles, power imbalances, the impact of bullying on staff and institution health and explored the existing supportive systems that deal with grievances procedures. This study concludes with concrete evidence that workplace bullying existed in Nelson Mandela University and there were no policies to effect control over perpetrators’ acts. Based on the findings of the study, recommendations are made regarding a strategy on how management can effectively address bullying complaints without prejudice and discrimination, such as an anti-bullying policy, and creating continuous awareness of the phenomenon.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Adesemowo, Bosede Olaitan
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Bullying in the workplace , Harassment Work environment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23404 , vital:30539
- Description: During the past decade bullying has received growing attention in organizational research. Workplace bullying is a complex phenomenon with a variety of situational, dispositional and systemic influences and it has been defined as “status-blind interpersonal hostility that is deliberate, repeated and sufficiently severe as to harm the targeted person's health or economic status” (Namie, 2003:3). A literature overview revealed the destructive consequences of bullying, such as trauma, suicide, depression, anxiety, stress, lowered self-esteem, anger and a lessening of productivity for both the individuals and the organizations concerned. This study presents the perceptions of staff members, in the form of recognized trade union representatives, of workplace bullying at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. The theoretical framework that informed the study comprised the dispositional and the ecological model that emphasised Ubuntu and the cultural values of the University. The research approach was carried out through qualitative and exploratory methods. Through primary and secondary data collection, a purposive sample of semi-structured interviews was collected in the context of the aim and the objectives of the study. It analysed the importance of an anti-bullying policy, management styles, power imbalances, the impact of bullying on staff and institution health and explored the existing supportive systems that deal with grievances procedures. This study concludes with concrete evidence that workplace bullying existed in Nelson Mandela University and there were no policies to effect control over perpetrators’ acts. Based on the findings of the study, recommendations are made regarding a strategy on how management can effectively address bullying complaints without prejudice and discrimination, such as an anti-bullying policy, and creating continuous awareness of the phenomenon.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Stress, resiliency and coping of hostel housemothers caring for children on the autistic spectrum
- Authors: Thiart, Sarita
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Autism spectrum disorders -- Patients -- Home care , Caregivers -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23272 , vital:30510
- Description: Autism is a life-long neurological disease that manifests differently in every autistic person. Children with autism have difficulties with four developmental areas, namely: language and communication, social interaction, imagination, and sensory issues. These behaviours make it extremely difficult to care for, or teach, autistic children as these children often present with behaviours that are psychologically, cognitively and physically challenging. As there is only one government subsidised school with the expertise and support structures to teach and care for autistic children in the Eastern Cape, parents often have no option, but to place such children in residential care in order for the children to receive the expert teaching they need. As a result, hostel housemothers are often placed in parental roles as they provide much of the parenting on a daily basis. Many of these caregivers have their own families that also need support and care. This may place additional burdens on these employees that could lead to a variety of psychological and physical conditions, depending on their resilience, and ability to handle frequent stressful situations. It is for this reason that this study is imperative, as it will uncover the stressors experienced by the hostel housemothers who play such a pivotal role in the lives of autistic children. The results of the study will serve to inform possible future interventions. This is a qualitative study. Participants were obtained through purposive sampling, and data was analysed through a thematic analysis approach. The Salutogenesis theory of Antonovsky was used, which particularly looks at stressors, tension, breakdown, and Salutogenesis. The study has generated, in the researcher, an understanding of how hostel housemothers cope with the stressors of caring for autistic children, and intends to do the same for readers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Thiart, Sarita
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Autism spectrum disorders -- Patients -- Home care , Caregivers -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23272 , vital:30510
- Description: Autism is a life-long neurological disease that manifests differently in every autistic person. Children with autism have difficulties with four developmental areas, namely: language and communication, social interaction, imagination, and sensory issues. These behaviours make it extremely difficult to care for, or teach, autistic children as these children often present with behaviours that are psychologically, cognitively and physically challenging. As there is only one government subsidised school with the expertise and support structures to teach and care for autistic children in the Eastern Cape, parents often have no option, but to place such children in residential care in order for the children to receive the expert teaching they need. As a result, hostel housemothers are often placed in parental roles as they provide much of the parenting on a daily basis. Many of these caregivers have their own families that also need support and care. This may place additional burdens on these employees that could lead to a variety of psychological and physical conditions, depending on their resilience, and ability to handle frequent stressful situations. It is for this reason that this study is imperative, as it will uncover the stressors experienced by the hostel housemothers who play such a pivotal role in the lives of autistic children. The results of the study will serve to inform possible future interventions. This is a qualitative study. Participants were obtained through purposive sampling, and data was analysed through a thematic analysis approach. The Salutogenesis theory of Antonovsky was used, which particularly looks at stressors, tension, breakdown, and Salutogenesis. The study has generated, in the researcher, an understanding of how hostel housemothers cope with the stressors of caring for autistic children, and intends to do the same for readers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Students’ experiences of hunger at an institution of higher learning in South Africa
- Ntloko, Nkqubela Aphiwe Jackson
- Authors: Ntloko, Nkqubela Aphiwe Jackson
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Hunger , College students -- Social aspects Universities and colleges -- Students College students -- Physiological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30353 , vital:30933
- Description: Student hunger is a violation of the right to sufficient food guaranteed in the Constitution section 7(2) (1996). The State must respect, protect, promote and fulfil this right in addition to all other rights in the Bill Rights. This study sought to gain an in-depth understanding of hunger, as experienced by students at Nelson Mandela University (NMU), furthermore the study sought to generate student-centred recommendations on sustainable ways to address student hunger. Data was collected using a semi-structured interview method from sixteen, registered NMU students who were purposively selected. Collected data were analysed using the eight steps suggested by Tesch (1990), in Creswell, (2009). Guba's model of trustworthiness was applied for data verification. Findings of the study suggest that student hunger is a multifaceted concept which includes both physical, material hunger as well as lack of basic needs. Food insecurity, structural poverty and structural inequalities (colonisation and dispossession) are some of the factors contributing to student hunger. Research results show that hunger negatively affects students’ academic and emotional well-being. Participants recommend the use of alternative funding models that can address student hunger; a new policy should be formulated to inform interventions to eradicate student hunger. Among these suggested interventions is the creation of employment opportunities for students, provision of food parcels, meal subsidy and meal cards. Ending student hunger requires a wide range of approaches that consider both the contributing factors as well as its adverse impact on students. The depth of hunger as experienced by students requires institutions of higher learning, in collaboration with students, government, NGO’s and the private sector to be proactive in enhancing the wellbeing of students suffering from hunger, through empowerment initiatives. In order to eradicate hunger and restore the dignity and well-being of students, a student-driven social justice, multi-disciplinary approach that is developmental in nature is required.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Ntloko, Nkqubela Aphiwe Jackson
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Hunger , College students -- Social aspects Universities and colleges -- Students College students -- Physiological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30353 , vital:30933
- Description: Student hunger is a violation of the right to sufficient food guaranteed in the Constitution section 7(2) (1996). The State must respect, protect, promote and fulfil this right in addition to all other rights in the Bill Rights. This study sought to gain an in-depth understanding of hunger, as experienced by students at Nelson Mandela University (NMU), furthermore the study sought to generate student-centred recommendations on sustainable ways to address student hunger. Data was collected using a semi-structured interview method from sixteen, registered NMU students who were purposively selected. Collected data were analysed using the eight steps suggested by Tesch (1990), in Creswell, (2009). Guba's model of trustworthiness was applied for data verification. Findings of the study suggest that student hunger is a multifaceted concept which includes both physical, material hunger as well as lack of basic needs. Food insecurity, structural poverty and structural inequalities (colonisation and dispossession) are some of the factors contributing to student hunger. Research results show that hunger negatively affects students’ academic and emotional well-being. Participants recommend the use of alternative funding models that can address student hunger; a new policy should be formulated to inform interventions to eradicate student hunger. Among these suggested interventions is the creation of employment opportunities for students, provision of food parcels, meal subsidy and meal cards. Ending student hunger requires a wide range of approaches that consider both the contributing factors as well as its adverse impact on students. The depth of hunger as experienced by students requires institutions of higher learning, in collaboration with students, government, NGO’s and the private sector to be proactive in enhancing the wellbeing of students suffering from hunger, through empowerment initiatives. In order to eradicate hunger and restore the dignity and well-being of students, a student-driven social justice, multi-disciplinary approach that is developmental in nature is required.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The career development of Gary Player: a psychobiography
- Authors: Futter, Tamlin Sandra
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Player, Gary , Psychology -- Biographical methods Psychohistory Biography as a literary form
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21834 , vital:29787
- Description: This psychobiography focuses on the first 80 years of Gary Player’s career development. Gary Player is a famous South African golfer who has contributed towards business, sport, and charity. The psychological frame of referenced employed to interpret Player’s career development derives from Donald Super’s Life-span, Life-space Theory, which serves to substantiate this study’s focus on career development. This study employed a qualitative case study design. The research aims were (a) to describe Player’s career development, (b) to interpret it through Super’s theoretical framework, and (c) to assess whether Super’s theory is appropriate or suitable for the interpretation of an individual’s career development. Multiple primary and secondary sources of information were utilised to describe and interpret Player’s life history. These multiple sources aided in ensuring the trustworthiness and rigour of the study. The findings highlighted Gary Player’s life, with particular relevance to the periods of time that he spent on his career, lack of time that he spent on retirement, and his incorporation of his hobbies into his career. The discussion incorporated Donald Super’s theory into the findings and indicated that there are some aspects of Super’s theory relevant to describing Player’s career development, particularly within the growth stage. Throughout this study’s processes, the subject was treated ethically and responsibly during supervision by the researcher. This study contributed towards the body of knowledge on Gary Player, the on-going research of psychobiographies in South Africa, career development, and the applicability of Super’s theory.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Futter, Tamlin Sandra
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Player, Gary , Psychology -- Biographical methods Psychohistory Biography as a literary form
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21834 , vital:29787
- Description: This psychobiography focuses on the first 80 years of Gary Player’s career development. Gary Player is a famous South African golfer who has contributed towards business, sport, and charity. The psychological frame of referenced employed to interpret Player’s career development derives from Donald Super’s Life-span, Life-space Theory, which serves to substantiate this study’s focus on career development. This study employed a qualitative case study design. The research aims were (a) to describe Player’s career development, (b) to interpret it through Super’s theoretical framework, and (c) to assess whether Super’s theory is appropriate or suitable for the interpretation of an individual’s career development. Multiple primary and secondary sources of information were utilised to describe and interpret Player’s life history. These multiple sources aided in ensuring the trustworthiness and rigour of the study. The findings highlighted Gary Player’s life, with particular relevance to the periods of time that he spent on his career, lack of time that he spent on retirement, and his incorporation of his hobbies into his career. The discussion incorporated Donald Super’s theory into the findings and indicated that there are some aspects of Super’s theory relevant to describing Player’s career development, particularly within the growth stage. Throughout this study’s processes, the subject was treated ethically and responsibly during supervision by the researcher. This study contributed towards the body of knowledge on Gary Player, the on-going research of psychobiographies in South Africa, career development, and the applicability of Super’s theory.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The correlation between polygraph results and nonverbal behaviour
- Authors: Ferreira, Ian
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Lie detectors and detection , Movement, Psychology of Body language Nonverbal communication
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/29827 , vital:30782
- Description: The long history, serious and multiple negative consequences, and the global prevalence of human deception inspired the current correlational study. According to certain researchers and practitioners, the polygraph has emerged as one of the most promising methods to detect deception. Although its use has not been without controversy, it is still one of the most frequent means used to detect human deception. In an attempt to address the continued reliance on the polygraph, often in the absence of other evidence, the current study aimed to explore and describe the relationship between final polygraph test results and nonverbal behaviour observations during the pre-interview of the polygraph test. The research design was a correlational study, which explored and described the relationship between specified nonverbal behavioural observations, and deceptive and non-deceptive indicator results, of the participants taking the polygraph test. The nonverbal movements of the head, shoulders, hands and feet were the focus of the study. The research hypothesis of the study was that participants who were identified as deceptive on the polygraph would demonstrate significant statistical differences in specific nonverbal behaviours compared to non-deceptive participants. The results indicated significant statistical difference between the hand movements between the deceptive and the non-deceptive groups who participated in the study. The nonverbal behaviour related to the two groups’ hand movements was found to show significant differences, specifically related to five specific domains, hand hold symmetrical action, right arm/hand still, left hand/finger actions, touch behaviour, and thumbs up and downwards movements. The data were described and analysed by means of descriptive and inferential statistics and significant correlational findings were discussed in relation to the relevant published literature.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Ferreira, Ian
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Lie detectors and detection , Movement, Psychology of Body language Nonverbal communication
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/29827 , vital:30782
- Description: The long history, serious and multiple negative consequences, and the global prevalence of human deception inspired the current correlational study. According to certain researchers and practitioners, the polygraph has emerged as one of the most promising methods to detect deception. Although its use has not been without controversy, it is still one of the most frequent means used to detect human deception. In an attempt to address the continued reliance on the polygraph, often in the absence of other evidence, the current study aimed to explore and describe the relationship between final polygraph test results and nonverbal behaviour observations during the pre-interview of the polygraph test. The research design was a correlational study, which explored and described the relationship between specified nonverbal behavioural observations, and deceptive and non-deceptive indicator results, of the participants taking the polygraph test. The nonverbal movements of the head, shoulders, hands and feet were the focus of the study. The research hypothesis of the study was that participants who were identified as deceptive on the polygraph would demonstrate significant statistical differences in specific nonverbal behaviours compared to non-deceptive participants. The results indicated significant statistical difference between the hand movements between the deceptive and the non-deceptive groups who participated in the study. The nonverbal behaviour related to the two groups’ hand movements was found to show significant differences, specifically related to five specific domains, hand hold symmetrical action, right arm/hand still, left hand/finger actions, touch behaviour, and thumbs up and downwards movements. The data were described and analysed by means of descriptive and inferential statistics and significant correlational findings were discussed in relation to the relevant published literature.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The design of a honey processing plant and mead brewery for Menno apiary
- Authors: Jatoo, Anupam
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Farm buildings -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Farm buildings -- Design and construction Ecology in art
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18244 , vital:28609
- Description: This treatise was born out of an ecological concern for the decline in the bee population witnessed by beekeepers since the late 1990’s. This sudden decline in the bee population has a direct impact on one third of the food we consume which leads to a decrease in food production and an unbalanced ecosystem. The distinct biomes in the Eastern Cape of farming and nature reserves, provides a foundation for an investigation into an architectural intervention of a remedial nature to help the bees breed and restore the natural pollination services. A qualitative research approach has been conducted to focus on the relationship between man and nature and how man-made structures can successfully integrate into the natural process of bee breeding and honey production. This provided a platform to develop an architectural intervention that responded to the ecological issues of the dying bee population. This Paper unpacks the issues which contribute to the bee population in decline and the different types of systems and stages that are required in beekeeping and its by-products. The findings lead to the process of developing an appropriate brief and arriving at a design response which will allow sustainable ways of achieving radical increases in resource efficiency. As a result, the breeding process will provide natural product as well as educate the public and farmers of the region, about the bees. A site specific and factory archetype of architecture will be investigated to facilitate the transformation of site into a bee friendly environment, which will contribute to the rehabilitation of the pollination process in the Eastern Cape.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Jatoo, Anupam
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Farm buildings -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Farm buildings -- Design and construction Ecology in art
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18244 , vital:28609
- Description: This treatise was born out of an ecological concern for the decline in the bee population witnessed by beekeepers since the late 1990’s. This sudden decline in the bee population has a direct impact on one third of the food we consume which leads to a decrease in food production and an unbalanced ecosystem. The distinct biomes in the Eastern Cape of farming and nature reserves, provides a foundation for an investigation into an architectural intervention of a remedial nature to help the bees breed and restore the natural pollination services. A qualitative research approach has been conducted to focus on the relationship between man and nature and how man-made structures can successfully integrate into the natural process of bee breeding and honey production. This provided a platform to develop an architectural intervention that responded to the ecological issues of the dying bee population. This Paper unpacks the issues which contribute to the bee population in decline and the different types of systems and stages that are required in beekeeping and its by-products. The findings lead to the process of developing an appropriate brief and arriving at a design response which will allow sustainable ways of achieving radical increases in resource efficiency. As a result, the breeding process will provide natural product as well as educate the public and farmers of the region, about the bees. A site specific and factory archetype of architecture will be investigated to facilitate the transformation of site into a bee friendly environment, which will contribute to the rehabilitation of the pollination process in the Eastern Cape.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The design of a passenger transport interchange terminal in East London, South Africa
- Authors: Mbulawa, Mpumzi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Transportation buildings -- South Africa -- East London -- Designs and plans , Terminals (Transportation) -- South Africa -- East London -- Designs and plans Commuting -- South Africa -- East London
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18255 , vital:28610
- Description: The purpose of this document is to look into the concept of Transport Orientated Development through the design of a Passenger Transit Intermodal in East London in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. This concept of urban design and development is one which the focus of mixed use development is centered on maximizing access to public transportation. This paper also looks into the discourse around public transportation as an important tool in the integration of cities in post-apartheid South Africa. The aim of this paper is to engage with the architectural challenges of designing an intermodal transportation hub. This paper also aims and engaging the issue of public transportation in a democratic South Africa and its integration in all its forms, which previously may have served only particular demographics of the country i.e. the mini-bus taxi as a solution to the problem of transportation in the townships and its infiltration into the city environment. Through literature, scientific and peer reviewed journals, desktop research, photographs, informal interviews such as analysis, precedence and other qualitative studies, it will be demonstrated, through interpretation of the that there is a need for the integration of public transportation and this can be best achieved through the design of an intermodal passenger transport facility. The finding of this paper is that there is a need to integrate the public transportation sectors in South Africa. The taxi industry, for example, has developed independently of the other means of public transportation i.e. the train and bus systems; and has led to a public transport system that often duplicates or triplicates its functions. In conclusion, public transportation, i.e. trains, buses and minibus axis provide an essential service to the public, especially low income groups as they service a greater portion of this population, offering several benefits such as accessibility ,cost, reduced travel time, etc. Through the design of a transit intermodal, the integration of all forms of public transportation will be shown as being an essential cornerstone to the development of more integrated South African cities in a democratic dispensation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mbulawa, Mpumzi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Transportation buildings -- South Africa -- East London -- Designs and plans , Terminals (Transportation) -- South Africa -- East London -- Designs and plans Commuting -- South Africa -- East London
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18255 , vital:28610
- Description: The purpose of this document is to look into the concept of Transport Orientated Development through the design of a Passenger Transit Intermodal in East London in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. This concept of urban design and development is one which the focus of mixed use development is centered on maximizing access to public transportation. This paper also looks into the discourse around public transportation as an important tool in the integration of cities in post-apartheid South Africa. The aim of this paper is to engage with the architectural challenges of designing an intermodal transportation hub. This paper also aims and engaging the issue of public transportation in a democratic South Africa and its integration in all its forms, which previously may have served only particular demographics of the country i.e. the mini-bus taxi as a solution to the problem of transportation in the townships and its infiltration into the city environment. Through literature, scientific and peer reviewed journals, desktop research, photographs, informal interviews such as analysis, precedence and other qualitative studies, it will be demonstrated, through interpretation of the that there is a need for the integration of public transportation and this can be best achieved through the design of an intermodal passenger transport facility. The finding of this paper is that there is a need to integrate the public transportation sectors in South Africa. The taxi industry, for example, has developed independently of the other means of public transportation i.e. the train and bus systems; and has led to a public transport system that often duplicates or triplicates its functions. In conclusion, public transportation, i.e. trains, buses and minibus axis provide an essential service to the public, especially low income groups as they service a greater portion of this population, offering several benefits such as accessibility ,cost, reduced travel time, etc. Through the design of a transit intermodal, the integration of all forms of public transportation will be shown as being an essential cornerstone to the development of more integrated South African cities in a democratic dispensation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The effect of school-based physical activity interventions on body composition of grade 4 children from lower socio-economic communities in Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Nqweniso, Siphesihle
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Physical fitness for children -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Physical education and training Exercise -- Physiological aspects Body composition
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/33556 , vital:32886
- Description: South Africa is classified as a low- to middle-income country and is amongst countries affected by the double burden of disease. This double burden may occur in the same household and may be related to food insecurity, nutritional transition and economic inequalities. While the prevalence of underweight has been reduced in the country, stunting and the rise in overweight and obesity in children still remains a problem. The study aimed to determine the effect of various combinations of school-based interventions on the body composition of Grade 4 children from lower socio-economic communities in Port Elizabeth. A cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted with eight schools which were randomly assigned to the experimental group (n=442) and control group (n=437). A ten-week school-based intervention was implemented, consisting of three components, namely: a physical activity (PA) intervention including physical education lessons, dance-to-music lesson and in-class PA breaks, a health and hygiene education intervention, and a nutrition intervention. Body composition measures, pre- and post the intervention included height, weight and skinfolds (triceps & subscapular). Body mass index (BMI), percentage body fat, and BMI-for-age (BAZ), height-for-age (HAZ), and weight-for-age (WAZ) z-scores were also calculated. Baseline data indicated that Coloured children were more likely to be underweight and stunted than Black African children, who were more likely to be obese. After the ten-week intervention, children exposed to the PA intervention showed significantly (p<.05; d>0.2) lower BF% and higher HAZ scores. The nutrition intervention resulted in significantly (p<.05; d>0.2) higher BMI and BAZ scores, indicating an increase in the prevalence of obesity in children. The health and hygiene education intervention had a significant effect on children’s underweight status (WAZ), showing higher WAZ scores. Findings suggest that participating in various combinations of school-based interventions had beneficial effects on children’s body composition and nutritional status. Therefore, strategies to implement school-based interventions are recommended as a means to improve children’s health status.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Nqweniso, Siphesihle
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Physical fitness for children -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Physical education and training Exercise -- Physiological aspects Body composition
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/33556 , vital:32886
- Description: South Africa is classified as a low- to middle-income country and is amongst countries affected by the double burden of disease. This double burden may occur in the same household and may be related to food insecurity, nutritional transition and economic inequalities. While the prevalence of underweight has been reduced in the country, stunting and the rise in overweight and obesity in children still remains a problem. The study aimed to determine the effect of various combinations of school-based interventions on the body composition of Grade 4 children from lower socio-economic communities in Port Elizabeth. A cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted with eight schools which were randomly assigned to the experimental group (n=442) and control group (n=437). A ten-week school-based intervention was implemented, consisting of three components, namely: a physical activity (PA) intervention including physical education lessons, dance-to-music lesson and in-class PA breaks, a health and hygiene education intervention, and a nutrition intervention. Body composition measures, pre- and post the intervention included height, weight and skinfolds (triceps & subscapular). Body mass index (BMI), percentage body fat, and BMI-for-age (BAZ), height-for-age (HAZ), and weight-for-age (WAZ) z-scores were also calculated. Baseline data indicated that Coloured children were more likely to be underweight and stunted than Black African children, who were more likely to be obese. After the ten-week intervention, children exposed to the PA intervention showed significantly (p<.05; d>0.2) lower BF% and higher HAZ scores. The nutrition intervention resulted in significantly (p<.05; d>0.2) higher BMI and BAZ scores, indicating an increase in the prevalence of obesity in children. The health and hygiene education intervention had a significant effect on children’s underweight status (WAZ), showing higher WAZ scores. Findings suggest that participating in various combinations of school-based interventions had beneficial effects on children’s body composition and nutritional status. Therefore, strategies to implement school-based interventions are recommended as a means to improve children’s health status.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The effects of father absenteeism on the development of a masculine identity of young Xhosa men in an urban township
- Authors: Kibi, Aluta
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Absentee fathers -- South Africa , Men -- Identity , Masculinity , Men -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22332 , vital:29944
- Description: The absence of a biological father in a family system is associated with a myriad of familial and societal problems. Although father absenteeism affects the entire family system, boys raised in the absence of a paternal figure appear to be the most affected especially when they belong to patriarchal cultures. Among the many important roles played by a father in his son’s development he plays a significant role in modelling a culture specific masculinity. This masculinity enables him to effectively navigate the social spaces to acceptance from others within his culture. In his absence, boys look elsewhere for masculinity models some of which may be damaging to the males identity. Although there is substantial research on masculinity there is however paucity of research on how young Xhosa men develop a masculine identity in the absence of a paternal figure. This study sought to elucidate common themes through semi-structured interviews with young Xhosa men in navigating a masculine identity for themselves in the absence of a biological father. A purposive sampling technique was used to recruit participants for this study. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse the data, using Tesch’s method. The results of the study are beneficial to absent fathers, single mothers raising boy children and cultural leaders.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Kibi, Aluta
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Absentee fathers -- South Africa , Men -- Identity , Masculinity , Men -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22332 , vital:29944
- Description: The absence of a biological father in a family system is associated with a myriad of familial and societal problems. Although father absenteeism affects the entire family system, boys raised in the absence of a paternal figure appear to be the most affected especially when they belong to patriarchal cultures. Among the many important roles played by a father in his son’s development he plays a significant role in modelling a culture specific masculinity. This masculinity enables him to effectively navigate the social spaces to acceptance from others within his culture. In his absence, boys look elsewhere for masculinity models some of which may be damaging to the males identity. Although there is substantial research on masculinity there is however paucity of research on how young Xhosa men develop a masculine identity in the absence of a paternal figure. This study sought to elucidate common themes through semi-structured interviews with young Xhosa men in navigating a masculine identity for themselves in the absence of a biological father. A purposive sampling technique was used to recruit participants for this study. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse the data, using Tesch’s method. The results of the study are beneficial to absent fathers, single mothers raising boy children and cultural leaders.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The impact of social grants in poverty alleviation: the case of child support grants in Lusikisiki
- Williams, Antonia Nomthandazo Hycinth
- Authors: Williams, Antonia Nomthandazo Hycinth
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Poverty -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Child support -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19542 , vital:28892
- Description: This study investigates the impact of the impact of Social Grants in poverty alleviation; a case in point is the Child Support Grants in Lusikisiki. Poverty is characterized by an increase in depravation, unemployment and inequality. Social Security has been introduced as a social safety net that reduces the severity of poverty. The study uncovers the significance of the Child Support Grant in sustaining families and meeting their basic human needs. The study further shows that the Child Support Grant is a reliable monthly cash injection that benefits the children and other people in the households. It gives hope, allows beneficiaries to make choices and enables them to take care of themselves and their families, therefore restores dignity. The additional support provided to the Child Support Grant recipients promotes human development and improves access to education and health. The Child Support Grant has a significant impact on poverty alleviation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Williams, Antonia Nomthandazo Hycinth
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Poverty -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Child support -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19542 , vital:28892
- Description: This study investigates the impact of the impact of Social Grants in poverty alleviation; a case in point is the Child Support Grants in Lusikisiki. Poverty is characterized by an increase in depravation, unemployment and inequality. Social Security has been introduced as a social safety net that reduces the severity of poverty. The study uncovers the significance of the Child Support Grant in sustaining families and meeting their basic human needs. The study further shows that the Child Support Grant is a reliable monthly cash injection that benefits the children and other people in the households. It gives hope, allows beneficiaries to make choices and enables them to take care of themselves and their families, therefore restores dignity. The additional support provided to the Child Support Grant recipients promotes human development and improves access to education and health. The Child Support Grant has a significant impact on poverty alleviation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The perceptions of provincial EMS managers regarding the management of the millennial employees in the nelson Mandela Bay Health District
- Authors: Huysamen, Pieter Johannes
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Emergency medical services -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Personnel management Employees -- Management -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30341 , vital:30932
- Description: Literature on generational theory has paid much attention to the differences in values and work ethics between employees from different generational cohorts, but more specifically between managers and the Millennial Generation. These differences in values and ethics affect the way in which multigenerational employees perceive one another, which often leads to conflict and demotivation in the workplace. In an attempt to explore the perceptions of managers of the Emergency Medical Services regarding the management of the Millennial Generation, the researcher undertook a qualitative, descriptive, exploratory and contextual study. Data were gathered through 11 in-depth semi-structured interviews with managers of provincial Emergency Medical Services in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District. Data were analysed by using Tesch’s steps in data analysis. During the data analysis, the following four main themes emerged: The employees from the Millennial Generation lacked the discipline required for working in emergency services. The employees from the Millennial Generation had up-to-date knowledge, but had little practical experience. Specific attributes of the Millennial Generation were identified. The managers indicated that the employees from the Millennial Generation were in need of management support. The researcher found that many of the participants’ perceptions were inaccurate and influenced by preconceived generational stereotypes and prejudices. The research ended with recommendations, which should assist managers to manage employees from the Millennial Generation in the Emergency Medical Services more effectively. Recommendations were also made for further research. It is acknowledged that the research study had limitations, which included the fact that the data were only collected from one of the eight districts in the Eastern Cape and that the study did not include the private ambulance services in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Huysamen, Pieter Johannes
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Emergency medical services -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Personnel management Employees -- Management -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30341 , vital:30932
- Description: Literature on generational theory has paid much attention to the differences in values and work ethics between employees from different generational cohorts, but more specifically between managers and the Millennial Generation. These differences in values and ethics affect the way in which multigenerational employees perceive one another, which often leads to conflict and demotivation in the workplace. In an attempt to explore the perceptions of managers of the Emergency Medical Services regarding the management of the Millennial Generation, the researcher undertook a qualitative, descriptive, exploratory and contextual study. Data were gathered through 11 in-depth semi-structured interviews with managers of provincial Emergency Medical Services in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District. Data were analysed by using Tesch’s steps in data analysis. During the data analysis, the following four main themes emerged: The employees from the Millennial Generation lacked the discipline required for working in emergency services. The employees from the Millennial Generation had up-to-date knowledge, but had little practical experience. Specific attributes of the Millennial Generation were identified. The managers indicated that the employees from the Millennial Generation were in need of management support. The researcher found that many of the participants’ perceptions were inaccurate and influenced by preconceived generational stereotypes and prejudices. The research ended with recommendations, which should assist managers to manage employees from the Millennial Generation in the Emergency Medical Services more effectively. Recommendations were also made for further research. It is acknowledged that the research study had limitations, which included the fact that the data were only collected from one of the eight districts in the Eastern Cape and that the study did not include the private ambulance services in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The personal development of steve jobs :a psychobiographical study
- Authors: Van Staden, Dete
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Jobs, Steve, 1955-2011 , Psychology -- Biographical methods , Developmental psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45723 , vital:38958
- Description: A psychobiography is the construction of an individual’s life according to a psychological theory. This psychobiography reviews the life of Steven Paul Jobs (1955-2011), United States information technology intrepreneur and inventor. This study employs a qualitative, case study design. The researcher preferred a specific individual, therefore this study entails a non- probability, purposive sampling procedure. The data collection consists of primary and secondary sources. Data analysis was conducted according to Alexander’s (1988) model, as well as Miles and Huberman’s (1994) approach. The research conducted was done in an ethical manner. The primary aim of this study is to describe and interpret Jobs’ personal development through the application of tevinson et al.’s human development framework. Jobs was born, and soon after birth, given up for adoption. At the age of twenty-one, he and his friend, Steve Wozniak, invented Apple Computers. Jobs was known as an entrepreneur, innovator and genius, and was recognised as a pioneer in the information technology world. Regardless of personal and business disappointments, he designed successful products, generated enormous profits and led Apple to become the world’s most valuable and leading company. Through exploring Jobs’ life, a holistic overview of his personal development was obtained. The findings revealed that Jobs created a life structure for himself which allowed him to follow his dreams and spiration.
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- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Van Staden, Dete
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Jobs, Steve, 1955-2011 , Psychology -- Biographical methods , Developmental psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45723 , vital:38958
- Description: A psychobiography is the construction of an individual’s life according to a psychological theory. This psychobiography reviews the life of Steven Paul Jobs (1955-2011), United States information technology intrepreneur and inventor. This study employs a qualitative, case study design. The researcher preferred a specific individual, therefore this study entails a non- probability, purposive sampling procedure. The data collection consists of primary and secondary sources. Data analysis was conducted according to Alexander’s (1988) model, as well as Miles and Huberman’s (1994) approach. The research conducted was done in an ethical manner. The primary aim of this study is to describe and interpret Jobs’ personal development through the application of tevinson et al.’s human development framework. Jobs was born, and soon after birth, given up for adoption. At the age of twenty-one, he and his friend, Steve Wozniak, invented Apple Computers. Jobs was known as an entrepreneur, innovator and genius, and was recognised as a pioneer in the information technology world. Regardless of personal and business disappointments, he designed successful products, generated enormous profits and led Apple to become the world’s most valuable and leading company. Through exploring Jobs’ life, a holistic overview of his personal development was obtained. The findings revealed that Jobs created a life structure for himself which allowed him to follow his dreams and spiration.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The Q bell: experiences of patients with disabilities utilising a new call bell system
- Authors: Sithole, Siphiwo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Self-help devices for people with disabilities , People with disabilities -- Means of communication -- Technological innovations Communication devices for people with disabilities People with disabilities -- Rehabilitation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35543 , vital:33755
- Description: The Q-bell is a newly developed call bell system that aims to simplify the lives of people living with disabilities by providing a means for them to easily summon assistance from caregivers when needed. The product is designed to be hands free so that a patient only must exert minimal pressure on the device with any part of the body such as the cheek to call for attention. The aim of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of disabled participants regarding the functionality of the Q-bell systems during their stay in a care facility. To achieve this aim, an exploratory, descriptive, contextual, qualitative design was decided upon. There was a paucity of similar studies and this method was deemed the most effective method to fully grasp, contextualize and interpret the experiences of the research participants following the use of the Q-bell. The research population included all people with disabilities who were in care facilities. A purposive sampling method was used to identify a small number of disabled participants in care facilities to use the Q-bell. The researcher approached selected facilities and the residents in their care who had limited to no function of their hands and arms to test the Q-bell. The participants were given the Q-bell to use for 2-3 days, after which semi-structured interviews with participating individuals were conducted. Due to difficulties the researcher had with the infrastructure at the facilities eight participants were approached and interviewed in this study. All the interviews were conducted in private, but face to face, at the bedside of each participant, in the facilities of care. Digital voice recordings of these interviews were made after informed consent being sought from the participants. Verbatim transcripts of the recordings were made and a thematic analysis using Tesch’s method, was performed by the researcher followed by a consensus meeting with the independent coder. Ethical considerations such as beneficence, justice, autonomy, informed consent was adhered to by the researcher. Trustworthiness was achieved by following Guba’s principles of credibility, applicability, consistency and neutrality. Three themes emerged from the data analysis. Theme one highlighted the participants’ experiences whilst using the Q-bell. Theme two reflected the positive characteristics of the Q-bell when compared to other call devices the participants might have used while theme three posed possible recommendations the participants had to possibly improve on the design of the Q-bell. The research report concludes with the research limitations and recommendations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Sithole, Siphiwo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Self-help devices for people with disabilities , People with disabilities -- Means of communication -- Technological innovations Communication devices for people with disabilities People with disabilities -- Rehabilitation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35543 , vital:33755
- Description: The Q-bell is a newly developed call bell system that aims to simplify the lives of people living with disabilities by providing a means for them to easily summon assistance from caregivers when needed. The product is designed to be hands free so that a patient only must exert minimal pressure on the device with any part of the body such as the cheek to call for attention. The aim of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of disabled participants regarding the functionality of the Q-bell systems during their stay in a care facility. To achieve this aim, an exploratory, descriptive, contextual, qualitative design was decided upon. There was a paucity of similar studies and this method was deemed the most effective method to fully grasp, contextualize and interpret the experiences of the research participants following the use of the Q-bell. The research population included all people with disabilities who were in care facilities. A purposive sampling method was used to identify a small number of disabled participants in care facilities to use the Q-bell. The researcher approached selected facilities and the residents in their care who had limited to no function of their hands and arms to test the Q-bell. The participants were given the Q-bell to use for 2-3 days, after which semi-structured interviews with participating individuals were conducted. Due to difficulties the researcher had with the infrastructure at the facilities eight participants were approached and interviewed in this study. All the interviews were conducted in private, but face to face, at the bedside of each participant, in the facilities of care. Digital voice recordings of these interviews were made after informed consent being sought from the participants. Verbatim transcripts of the recordings were made and a thematic analysis using Tesch’s method, was performed by the researcher followed by a consensus meeting with the independent coder. Ethical considerations such as beneficence, justice, autonomy, informed consent was adhered to by the researcher. Trustworthiness was achieved by following Guba’s principles of credibility, applicability, consistency and neutrality. Three themes emerged from the data analysis. Theme one highlighted the participants’ experiences whilst using the Q-bell. Theme two reflected the positive characteristics of the Q-bell when compared to other call devices the participants might have used while theme three posed possible recommendations the participants had to possibly improve on the design of the Q-bell. The research report concludes with the research limitations and recommendations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The relationship between attribution style, rural vs urban status and traumatic stress severity in Kiambu and Nyeri counties, Kenya
- Authors: Ndungu, Jane Wagithi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Post-traumatic stress disorder -- Kenya , Post-traumatic stress disorder -- Patients -- Interviews -- Kenya Rural conditions -- Psychological aspects -- Kenya Rural mental health services -- Kenya Community psychology -- Kenya
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32793 , vital:32363
- Description: Traumatic exposure and posttraumatic stress in Kenya is a common experience. Despite this prevalence, an investigation of the dynamic influence of variables (such as cultural differences) on posttraumatic stress has received little attention in the country. This means that a relatively narrow understanding of traumatic stress exists in the Kenyan context. This study therefore investigated the relationship between attribution style, rural vs. urban status and posttraumatic stress severity. The exploration and description of these relationships contributed to creating a more nuanced understanding of traumatic stress. Such a nuanced understanding would be useful to a variety of fields of practice. The study utilised a sample from a rural and urban area of Kenya. A purposive convenience sample of 178 rural and 176 urban individuals was used. The study employed a biographical questionnaire and 2 quantitative measures, namely, the Attribution Style Questionnaire (ASQ) and the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. Results indicated that posttraumatic stress severity in the urban area was significantly higher than in the rural area. The urban sample was significantly more likely to attribute negative events to internal (rather than external) and specific (rather than global) causes than the rural sample. A regression analysis showed that a negative internal attribution style and educational level had a significant relationship with posttraumatic stress severity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Ndungu, Jane Wagithi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Post-traumatic stress disorder -- Kenya , Post-traumatic stress disorder -- Patients -- Interviews -- Kenya Rural conditions -- Psychological aspects -- Kenya Rural mental health services -- Kenya Community psychology -- Kenya
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32793 , vital:32363
- Description: Traumatic exposure and posttraumatic stress in Kenya is a common experience. Despite this prevalence, an investigation of the dynamic influence of variables (such as cultural differences) on posttraumatic stress has received little attention in the country. This means that a relatively narrow understanding of traumatic stress exists in the Kenyan context. This study therefore investigated the relationship between attribution style, rural vs. urban status and posttraumatic stress severity. The exploration and description of these relationships contributed to creating a more nuanced understanding of traumatic stress. Such a nuanced understanding would be useful to a variety of fields of practice. The study utilised a sample from a rural and urban area of Kenya. A purposive convenience sample of 178 rural and 176 urban individuals was used. The study employed a biographical questionnaire and 2 quantitative measures, namely, the Attribution Style Questionnaire (ASQ) and the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. Results indicated that posttraumatic stress severity in the urban area was significantly higher than in the rural area. The urban sample was significantly more likely to attribute negative events to internal (rather than external) and specific (rather than global) causes than the rural sample. A regression analysis showed that a negative internal attribution style and educational level had a significant relationship with posttraumatic stress severity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018