UWCScholar :: Browsing by Author "Isaacs, Serena"

Browsing by Author "Isaacs, Serena"

Now showing 1 - 14 of 14

A qualitative exploration of the dimensions of family resilience in a rural community on the West Coast
(University of the Western Cape, 2017) Twigg, Jennifer; Florence, Maria; Isaacs, Serena
Historically, families living in disenfranchised communities were viewed as being dysfunctional. This view led to the perpetuation of the challenges and adverse situations faced by these families. It is important to view the family holistically rather than just to focus on the risk factors and/or the dysfunctional nature of the family. This study endeavoured to explore how the family functions and copes with the challenges they face. The aim of the study was to qualitatively explore the dimensions of family resilience as perceived by families in a rural community on the West Coast, South Africa. Family resilience theory was used as the theoretical framework for the research study. Three family resilience dimensions were explored. These dimensions are family belief systems, family organisation and resources, and family communication patterns. Participants were selected by means of nonprobability sampling. The local NGO in collaboration with the researcher identified the participants. The participants were homogenous in terms of being parents who participated in a parent support programme and were from the same community. Six semi-structured, oneon- one interviews were conducted as the data collection method. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Three main themes emerged, in congruence with the theoretical framework. These themes were the family's belief system, their organisational patterns when faced with adversity, as well as the communication patterns of the family. The participants all reported that their strong sense of faith was used as coping mechanisms through their adversities. They had varying reports on how their family organised themselves and how they communicated. Some participants reported that living in a small community could at times be challenging, especially when sharing adversities as they feared community gossip, which then acted as a barrier to seeking help. The researcher adhered to the ethics requirements of the study in terms of confidentiality, provided the participants with informed consent forms and informed them of their rights as participants. Participants were free to discontinue the research process at any point without prejudice.
Adolescents’ perceptions of the ‘substance use violence nexus’: a South African perspective
(Taylor & Francis, 2016) Khan, Gadija; Savahl, Shazly; Isaacs, Serena
The aim of the study was to explore adolescents’ perceptions of substance use as a contributing factor to community violence by employing a conceptual framework proposed by Goldstein. Data were collected from a sample of adolescents between the ages of 15 and 16 years by means of focus group interviews. Theoretical thematic analysis was used to analyse and interpret the findings. The participants’ perceptions indicated that substance use and withdrawal symptoms induce physiological and behavioural modifications resulting in aggression and violence. The findings also suggest that participants believed that substance users frequently commit property and violent interpersonal crimes such as theft, robbery, assault and murder to procure their substances. Further, the adolescents’ perceived violence to be rooted within gang culture as well as the involvement in shared markets for illicit substance trading.
Alcohol consumption amongst young adults living in a low socioeconomic status community in Cape Town
(Society for Personality Research, 2013) Adams, Sabirah; Savahl, Shazly; Isaacs, Serena; Carels, Cassandra Zeta
Our aim was to ascertain the extent of risky alcohol consumption amongst young adults living in a low socioeconomic status community in Cape Town, South Africa. We used a cross-sectional survey design and the street intercept method to administer the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). A key finding in this study was that 54.30% of male and 47.90% of the female participants were alcohol dependent, according to the classification criteria set out in the AUDIT. Our finding necessitates further investigations into alcohol consumption amongst young adults in South Africa. In addition, researchers should endeavor not only to identify, but also to understand, the dynamics of risk and resilience factors so that this information could be used to develop intervention initiatives that could mediate young adults’ initial consumption of alcohol.
An investigation into the correlates of family resilience in an impoverished rural community in the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2018) October, Kezia Ruth; Isaacs, Serena
Families in South Africa are faced with manifold hardships that negatively impact the family as a unit. However, there are a variety of protective factors that have been identified as meaningful resources that facilitates healing and growth within a family unit. The study aims to investigate whether age, gender, employment status and level of education significantly predicts family resilience. The study utilised secondary data compromised of (N=656) participants from a low socio-economic rural community in South Africa. Family resilience views the family as a functional system of which provides positive adaption to family members who have experienced stressful events. Walsh's key processes in family resilience is outlined, highlighting a multi-level developmental systems orientation. The study utilised a multiple regression analysis consisting of four predictor variables namely, age, gender, employment status and level of education to assess whether these variables predict high levels of family resilience. The model found that amongst the four predictor variable, only employment status significantly predicted family resilience.
Ascertaining the structural validity of the adapted English and translated Afrikaans versions of the Family Resilience Assessment (FRAS) Sub-scales
(University of Western Cape, 2020) Carlson, Shantay; Isaacs, Serena; Savahl, Shazly
Family resilience has become an important concept in mental health and family research over the past twenty years. An assessment tool that was found to assess this concept within western English-speaking populations is the Family Resilience Assessment Scale (FRAS). The FRAS was developed by Sixbey and is based on Walsh’s model of family resilience, a prominent theorist in family resilience research. A recent study has translated and adapted the original scale into Afrikaans, which is one of the eleven official languages of South Africa. This was done for the FRAS to be utilised in a context other than the one it was developed for.
Children’s experiences and perceptions of family and family resilience processes in South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Shoko, Placidia Muchaneta; Isaacs, Serena
The family is the primary and most critical support and developmental system for children however, family challenges often prevent positive support and developmental assistance. Some families are able to manage their challenges well while others are not as wellequipped. Research on family functioning and family resilience in South Africa is increasing, however the focus is often only on adult family members. In light of this, the current study sought to explore children’s experiences and perceptions of family and family resilience processes in South Africa. In this study, resilience was defined as the capacity of a system to adapt successfully to significant challenges that threaten its function, viability, or development.
An exploration into the impact of exposure to community violence and hope on children's perceptions of well-being: a South African perspective
(Springer, 2013) Savahl, Shazly; Isaacs, Serena; Adams, Sabirah; Carels, Cassandra Zeta; September, Rose
The study aims to explore the relationship between exposure to community violence, hope, and well-being. More specifically, the study aims to ascertain whether hope is a stronger predictor of well-being than exposure to violence. Stratified random sampling was used to select a sample of 566 adolescents aged 14–17 years, from both high violence and low violence areas in Cape Town, South Africa. A questionnaire consisting of Snyder’s Children’s Hope Scale, the Recent Exposure to Violence Scale and the KIDSCREEN-52 was used. Data analysis techniques included descriptive statistics, correlations, and multiple regression. A positive, significant relationship was found between children’s hope and their well-being. Although exposure to community violence was found to be significantly correlated with wellbeing, the relationship was negligible.While exposure to community violence and hope were found to be significant predictors of well-being, hope emerged as a stronger predictor of child well-being than exposure to community violence.
An exploration of the family resilience needs of a rural community in South Africa: a sequential explanatory mixed methodological study design
(Springer Verlag, 2017) Isaacs, Serena; Roman, Nicolette V.; Savahl, Shazly
The aim of the study is to identify and explore family resilience needs in a rural community in the West Coast region of South Africa. An explanatory mixed methodological sequential design was implemented. Firstly, Sixbey’s (2005) Family Resilience Assessment Scale, was employed to conduct the quantitative assessment via a door-to-door sample of convenience identified with the assistance of a local nongovernmental organisation. Of the 656 participants, 39.8% were male and 60.2% were female, with an average age of 37.90 years (standard deviation 13.92). Secondly, four focus groups involving 27 community participants provided qualitative data. Results from the quantitative assessment show that family connectedness and utilising social and economic resources were the lowest scoring, and belief systems the highest scoring, dimensions in family resilience. Based on the quantitative findings and the discussions, three thematic categories emerged: community and family challenges; community belief systems; and current family functioning and organisational patterns. A number of families and groups within the community were able to provide feedback, recommendations and work collaboratively in this study. This contributed to the argument we make for the transformative mixed methods paradigm that is discussed. This study provides further insight into the theory of family resilience.
How well are families doing? A description of family well-being in South Africa
(Chinese General Practice Press, 2016) Roman, Nicolette V.; Isaacs, Serena; Davids, Charl; Sui, Xin-Cheng
BACKGROUND: As a result of South Africa's unique socio-political history and diverse cultures, the South African family is neither simple to describe nor easy to understand. The new family policy strives to strengthen South African families but the research on family well-being is very limited. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe the wellbeing of a sample of families from low socioeconomic communities in the Western Cape South Africa in terms of family resilience, family satisfaction, parenting styles, family structure and family functioning. METHODS: The study utilised a descriptive survey design and sampled 358 adult family members. RESULTS: The results indicate that although family functioning is challenged, parents are perceived to be utilising an authoritative parenting style and having a father present enhances family satisfaction. The results also describe families as displaying low to average levels of family resilience. CONCLUSION: This study provides a descriptive study of a sample of families in the Western Cape, South Africa. Overall the families in this study are not doing very well. The implications and significance of these findings are further explained.
A phenomenological study on parents' experiences of their adolescent's substance abuse
(2013) Swartbooi, Cindy Melanie; Savahl, Shazly; Isaacs, Serena
Adolescent substance abuse is a widely researched area both internationally and nationally. It has been known to affect many problems which are prevalent in most low socioeconomic communities such as crime, school truancy and family fragmentation. It is of particular concern in low socioeconomic communities within the Cape Flats District which continues to be plagued with social ills such as gangsterism, adolescent criminal behaviour, and high rates of school dropout. The problem of adolescent substance abuse cannot be explored in isolation, but rather, in conjunction with all other spheres which it affects such as family relationships, dynamics and functioning. Parents fulfil an important role in managing their adolescent's addiction problem. These parents often feel helpless, hopeless, guilty, and angry, and are inclined to blame themselves for their child's delinquent behaviour. In some cases spouses blame one another for their being too permissive or too stern. However, there is a dearth in research of parents' lived experiences and the ways in which they attribute meaning to their situations. The aim of this study was to explore parents' lived experiences of their adolescent's substance abuse. More specifically the study explored parents' perceptions of the ways in which one family member's substance abuse affects the dynamics and the functioning of the family. At a theoretical level, this study aligned with Bowen's Family Systems theory, as it allowed the researcher to explore the ways in which family roles, dynamics and functioning are affected by a relative's substance addiction. The current study was conducted within the qualitative methodological framework, as the aim was to gain an in-depth understanding of parent's lived experiences of managing their adolescent's substance abuse. Furthermore, this study was positioned within the phenomenological epistemological framework as it aligns well with the aims of this study, which is to acquire an understanding of parents' lived experiences of their adolescent's substance abuse.
Prevalence and factors associated with substance use among university students in South Africa: implications for prevention
(BMC Psychology, 2022) Blows, Stacey; Isaacs, Serena
Background: Substance use is an important public health concern in many countries across the globe. Among the general public, institutions of higher learning have developed a reputation for inducing new substance use among students. In addition to socio-demographic factors, substance use and abuse among university students often appear to be related to psychological stressors typically related to the demand to adapt to the new environment and the pressures associated with academia. The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of, and factors associated with substance use among university students. Methods: This quantitative study employed convenience sampling to recruit university students who were 18 years and older from a university in the Western Cape. The study made use of self-administered online questionnaires, which participants completed via SurveyMonkey. The sample consisted of 2915 students. Descriptive statistics were used to describe and provide the prevalence and overview of the demographic characteristics of the respondents. Associations between variables were explored using Chi-square and Mann–Whitney U tests. Results: The main findings revealed a substance use prevalence rate of 62.7%. The most prominent substances used by students were alcohol (80.6%), cannabis (46%), and ecstasy (5.3%). The study further revealed clear associations between students’ substance use and mental health. Students who reported substance use at university reported higher depression and anxiety scores than those who did not. However, findings reveal no significant association (p = 0.233) between being a substance user and a nonsubstance user and students' respective self-perceived stress scores. Conclusion: Results show the majority of sampled students had started using substances (both alcohol and other substances) only after entering university. The results call into question seminal findings relating to substance use and the university environment. The novel findings of this study could serve as a baseline input to inform policymakers, programme developers, service providers, parents, and other stakeholders who are involved in the design and implementation of more effective awareness, prevention and, needs-based intervention services.
The subjective experiences of parents of adolescent substance users, their knowledge of and access to available treatment resources
(University of Western Cape, 2021) Louw, Seneca Ance; Isaacs, Serena
Substance use is certainly not a new phenomenon, however, it is one that remains a significant problem in the lives of adolescents, especially in low-income communities. This phenomenon not only affects the individual and society, but also the family and parents/guardians of the substance user. Parents within low-income contexts may feel overlooked in planning and service delivery initiatives, which may lead to a lack of appropriate knowledge and resources for parents when confronted with a child who uses substances. This, in turn, amplifies the challenges faced within resource-constrained environments, and further perpetuates ineffective coping strategies and poor well-being for parents.
The subjective experiences of parents of adolescent substance users, their knowledge of and access to available treatment resources
(University of Western Cape, 2021) Louw, Seneca Ance; Isaacs, Serena
Substance use is certainly not a new phenomenon, however, it is one that remains a significant problem in the lives of adolescents, especially in low-income communities. This phenomenon not only affects the individual and society, but also the family and parents/guardians of the substance user. Parents within low-income contexts may feel overlooked in planning and service delivery initiatives, which may lead to a lack of appropriate knowledge and resources for parents when confronted with a child who uses substances.
The subjective experiences of students with invisible disabilities at a historically disadvantaged university
(AOSIS, 2022) de Beer, Carushca; Isaacs, Serena; Lawrence, Cameron
Despite policies that promote inclusivity of students with various challenges, students with invisible disabilities at higher learning institutions may encounter various levels of stigma and marginalisation. This primarily stems from a lack of awareness about what invisible disabilities encompass, and very importantly, how they affect those who live with them.This study explored the subjective experiences of students with invisible disabilities at a historically disadvantaged university.

Browsing by Author "Isaacs, Serena"

Results Per Page

Sort Options