Magister Artium - MA (Child and Family Studies)

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A qualitative study exploring the experiences of Black South African vegetarians residing in the urban settings of Cape Town.
(University of the Western Cape, 2017) Sedupane, George; Waggie, Firdouza
Vegetarianism is a growing global trend. Movie stars and world class athletes proudly brand themselves vegetarian. Apart from its health implications vegetarianism has been extensively studied as a social and psychological phenomenon. However the understanding that has emerged from these studies has almost exclusively reflected Caucasian Western societies. Internationally there is a paucity of research regarding vegetarianism among people of African descent. The purpose of this study was to fill this knowledge gap by exploring the development of a vegetarian identity among Black urban South Africans living in Cape Town and the contextual factors involved in their adoption and practice of vegetarianism. Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological systems theory which emphasizes the bidirectional influence between human behaviour and broader contextual factors was used as a theoretical framework for understanding vegetarianism among Black South Africans. This study used a qualitative exploratory approach to describe the perceptions and experiences of Black vegetarians. Snowball sampling was used to locate eight Black South African adult vegetarians who were interviewed in depth. The audio recorded interviews were transcribed and analysed through thematic analysis yielding three main themes. The first and central theme is that “vegetarianism is life.” This theme encapsulates the fact participants view vegetarianism as an instrument through which the highest ideals of life are attained including physical vitality, spiritual vibrancy and intellectual superiority. In the second theme the process of developing a vegetarian identity was unfolded. Contextual religio-cultural influences of Rastafarianism and Seventh day Adventism were a major influence in the development of a vegetarian identity. The last theme unfolds the experience of Black vegetarians living in meat dominated society. The study reveals that becoming a vegetarian definitely affects one’s social relations. However the gender of the vegetarians modulated the reaction of family members. Vegetarians also employed several strategies to manoeuvre difficult social situations. This study is among the first to contribute an African perspective to the global vegetarian discourse. It has highlighted the way Black Africans develop a vegetarian identity and the contextual factors acting as barriers and facilitators to this development. It has highlighted how this identity is informed by their Africanness though at times it conflicts with certain African ideals. Finally it has identified the social, cultural and psychological variables involved in the vegetarian phenomenon on the African continent.
Access to early childhood development services: perceptions, experiences and challenges of early childhood practitioners and parents
(University of the Western Cape, 2021) Vuyokazi, Mpumela; Erasmus, C. J.
Children’s learning and development takes place in a range of contexts and this includes at Early Childhood Development centers and at home with family. Parent involvement in their children’s education has been viewed as an important variable that positively influence children’s education. Young children need quality childcare to develop their innate potential and prepare for formal education. Quality care provides nurturing relationships, a mentally stimulating environment, basic health and safety. The formal provisioning of Early Childhood Development falls under the mandate of the Department of Social Development for registered early childhood development centers and the Department of Education for Grade R, the preparatory grade for primary education. The study investigated the perceptions, experiences, and challenges of parents and early childhood development practitioners with regards to their access of early childhood services. The theory underpinning this study was Bronfenbrenner’s ecological system, which is based on the principle of interconnectedness within settings and the link between settings that affect individual development. The study utilised a qualitative approach and data were collected from parents and early childhood practitioners within the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province. The findings regarding the perceptions of practitioners, principals and parents included perception of Early Childhood Development services, affordability, and contentment with ECD education, proximity of the centers and the role of the practitioners. The experiences of the parents, principals and practitioners highlighted in the study includes involvement of parents, training of practitioners, limited support from stakeholders, and scarce resources. In addition, lack of sufficient infrastructure, lack of adequate learning materials, underqualified practitioners and shortage of funds were noted as the challenges affecting the practitioners and the parents. The study recommended training of practitioners, infrastructure development.
Adjustment of first year university students and the effect of a psychosocial intervention on their mental health and adjustment over an interrupted time series
(University of the Western Cape, 2017) Stroud, Candice; Roman, Nicolette
First-year students face an array of challenges, ranging from financial, to academic and psychosocial problems. Research suggests that first-year students require student support structures to enable student retention. Higher education institutions have now focused on building towards student graduate attributes as well as developing well-balanced, well-rounded students. First-year experience studies have identified the growing interest in the potential impact of psycho-social interventions on the social adjustment and influence on students’ mental health. This study assess the effects of psychosocial interventions on the mental health and adjustment of first-year students by using an Interrupted Time Series (ITS) analysis.
The adverse childhood experiences of adults regarding the transition from foster care to child and youth care centres
(University of Western Cape, 2021) Bovu, Kwandiwe; Carelse, Shernaaz
In South Africa family foster care is the first option of alternative care for children removed from their biological parents, adoptive parents or guardians, due to neglect, abuse or abandonment. Similar to international trends, South Africa prioritises family foster care. However, when the foster care placement disintegrates, children are generally placed in child and youth care centres (CYCCs) in accordance with the South African Children’s Act 38 of 2005. This qualitative study aims to explain the adverse childhood experiences of adults regarding their transition from foster care to CYCCs, using family systems theory (FST) to contextualise these accounts. The population for this study was adults living in Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB), who were formerly moved to CYCCs after the break down of their family foster care placements.
An exploration of adolescent substance users and the parent-child relationship in Mitchell's Plain
(University of the Western Cape, 2018) Vuza, Nwabisa; Rich, Edna; Jacobs, Liezelle
Adolescence is a stage in a young person's life between childhood and adulthood and is characterized by rapid, intensive life changes and adaptations. During this stage, the parentchild interaction is vital, as it helps the adolescent to make informed decisions in life. The aim of this current study is to explore the parent-child relationship of adolescent substance users, aged between 14 and 17 years, and their parents, specifically mothers. The researcher chose to utilize a mixed methods approach, consisting of both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis, to gather comprehensive evidence. A sequential exploratory mixed methods design was selected for the study. Data was collected by means of self-administered questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Purposive sampling was used to select the 45 adolescent substance users and their 45 mothers, as parents, from the community of Mitchell's Plain. A further sample of 5 willing adolescents and their 5 mothers was selected randomly to participate in the semi-structured interviews, to further probe the nature of the parent-child relationship. The Attachment Theory was employed as a theoretical framework. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) programme, version 25, was used to analyse the quantitative data. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation and independent tests were applied to the data. The findings of this study revealed that the majority of the respondents had different perceptions of the parent-child relationship. The thematic analysis was used for qualitative data and the data was analysed by making use of the qualitative analysis stages as guidelines to identify the main themes that emerged from the data. Confidentiality and anonymity was maintained throughout the study. There were significant differences and similarities on the perceptions of both the parents and adolescent substance users. They agreed on what the parent-child relationship is, as well as how a parent should interact with the child; however, there were differences on how they perceived their relationship with each other, regarding the different components of the parentchild relationship. Recommendations are provided for parents and children on positive parent-child relationship, future research, intervention programmes and policy development.
Aspirations, expectations and challenges of youth that have aged out of foster care in Bonteheuwel, Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Janse-Pieterse, Joeline; de Jongh, Jo-Celene
Foster care is perceived to be the best and most widely applied form of alternative care for children apart from their maternal home, because it most often occurs within the family context and is intended to offer safety and protection to children. Children placed in foster care often remain in foster care until they turn 18 years of age. However, all too frequently, they age out of foster care without any support services. Some of the foster care youth who have aged out of foster care often fall prone to negative influences and circumstances in the community such as toxic relationships with their biological family, unemployment, living on the streets, or fall prone to gangsterism.
Assessing the relationship between food security, the child support grant and child care arrangements
(University of the Western Cape, 2019) Tyabashe, Babalwa; Swart, E.C.
Food insecurity exists when people lack access to sufficient quantities of safe and nutritious food which encourages normal growth and development. Given South Africa’s high poverty and unemployment levels, food insecurity has become endemic in many communities. The purpose of the study was to determine and explore the relationship between food insecurity, child care arrangements and the child support grant (CSG). The study was conducted among a sample of 120 participants, comprising both CSG recipients and non-recipients (who were purposefully selected from an ongoing cohort study), residing in Langa township in Cape Town. A sequential, mixed-model research design was used, in which both qualitative and quantitative research methods were applied. Data was collected by means of questionnaires, interviews and focus groups. The results were analysed using SPSS and Atlas ti software. The ecological systems theory being used as a theoretical framework to explore the different dimensions of child care arrangements. In the literature it is hypothesised that food insecure families are more likely to have child care arrangement instabilities. Interestingly, the study’s findings did not support this hypothesis. Although most of the participants were unemployed, they generally stayed at home to care for their children because they were recipients of the CSG. Therefore, despite being food insecure, many households had stable child care arrangements because of the CSG. Child support grant recipient households experienced hunger less acutely than households that did not receive the grant. Of course, social protection mechanisms, like grants, do not represent a sustainable solution to South Africa’s unemployment and food insecurity challenges. The researcher therefore provides a number of recommendations on how government and civil society can ameliorate the plight of poor households.
A comparison of the relationship between peer pressure and social acceptability among hookah-pipe users and non-users
(University of the Western Cape, 2018) Visman, Heidré; Roman, Nicolette V.; Rich, Edna
Hookah-pipe smoking escalated from being a cultural phenomenon to being a social phenomenon. Studies suggest that the hookah-pipe is a high-risk phenomenon which has become a highly acceptable social practice influenced by social factors such as smoking initiations among peers. What is unknown is whether peer pressure and social acceptance have an influence on the use of the hookah-pipe. The aim of this study is therefore to compare the relationship between peer pressure and social acceptance among adolescent hookah-pipe users and non-users. The objectives of the study are to determine the prevalence of peer pressure, social acceptability and smoking tobacco using the hookah-pipe among adolescents; establish the relationship between peer pressure and social acceptability of adolescent hookah-pipe users and non-users and to compare the relationship between peer pressure and social acceptability among adolescent hookah-pipe users and non-users. A cross-sectional comparative correlation study was conducted with a sample of Grade 9 adolescents attending secondary schools in the Metro East Education District in Cape Town. Structured questionnaires constructed from the NationalASH 10 Year Snapshot Survey, the 10-year in-depth survey, the health and lifestyle survey and peer pressure, as well as an NICHD Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development questionnaire were completed by the participants. The Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) software was used to analyse the data. The results show that no relationship was found between peer pressure and social acceptance, but a relationship was found between parental rules and monitoring around tobacco use for hookah-pipe users. A significant difference was also found in the attitudes towards hookah use between users and non-users. The ethics for this study included voluntary participation, informed consent and anonymity.
A descriptive study of the teenagers against drug abuse programme as implemented at high schools in the Cape Metropolitan area
(University of the Western Cape, 2001) Banda, Errol; Kotze, Fourie
ln the Cape Metropolitan Area the drug industry has exploded, and the reality is that teenagers are the main target group of drug lords. TADA [eenagers Against Drug Abuse] is a prevention programme operating in high schools with the aim to prevent drug use amongst students.Since its implementation, the programme has not been evaluated to determine its effectiveness. Furthermore, the TADA programme is not widely known within the educational sector. Consequently, the TADA groups find it difficult to expand it.
dolescents in a rural community’s perceptions, experiences and challenges concerning parental involvement during late adolescence
(University of Western Cape, 2020) Isaacs, Lynn-Joy; Erasmus, C. J.; Moodley, C.
Parental involvement during late adolescence has been confirmed by scholars as a major determinant in fostering the educational and psychosocial outcomes in the life trajectory of an individual. Certain bodies of literature, however, argue that parental involvement declines dramatically during adolescence, while others insist that parents merely employ more developmentally appropriate forms of involvement. Western-based parental involvement frameworks – while useful – have not sufficiently captured the contextualised perceptions, experiences and challenges of late adolescents in rural South Africa.
The dyad’s (older adult and adult child/grandchild) perceptions regarding legacy beliefs within a family context
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Tuswa, Babalwa; Mthembu, Thuli
Legacy beliefs have remarkably gained interest in the field of child and family studies, however, there is little known about the perceptions of Black African families.This study determined the dyads’ perceptions regarding legacy beliefs within a family context in Khayelitsha Township in the Western Cape Province, South Africa.A cross-sectional descriptive research study was conducted with 600 (300 older adults and 300 adult children/grandchildren) conveniently selected dyads from the Black African families between the ages of 40 and 83 years.
The effect of parental involvement on the identity styles of adolescents
(University of the Western Cape, 2018) Harker-van Heerden, Marsha; Roman, Nicolette V.; Davids, Eugene Lee
Adolescence is a phase when youth engage in risk-taking behaviour, which could result in poor physical and psychological adjustment. Risk behaviour is a result of poor decision- making. Decision-making is associated with exploration and commitment, also referred to as identity styles. During the phase of developing an identity style, parenting is challenging; however, research reveals that parental involvement, as well as a more positive approaches to parenting, have been observed to influence child behaviour and outcomes. For parenting and identity styles, this is not very clear. Therefore, the aim of this current study was to assess the effect of parental involvement on the identity styles of adolescents. The study employed a quantitative, cross-sectional, correlational research design. The respondents were conveniently sampled. The final sample was Grade 10 learners in the Metro East Education District, with a mean age of 16.01 (SD=1.04). Data were collected through a self-reported questionnaire, which comprised three parts: demographic details of participants, Parent Involvement Mechanisms Measure, and Identity Styles Scale. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The results revealed that informational identity style was the most prevalent identity style, which was significantly and positively predicted, with 18% of variance. For mothers, maternal modelling and maternal instruction significantly predicted the informational style. For fathers, paternal reinforcement significantly and positively predicted commitment style, with 14% of variance. Recommendations are provided based on the findings of this current study.
The effects of the LEQ’s life skills domains as it relates to the engagement in health risk behaviour among grade 8 learners in a selected high school in Paarl
(University of the Western Cape, 2018) Marais, Janene Elizabeth; Pharaoh, Hamilton
Adolescence can be understood as the transitional period between childhood and adulthood. During adolescence individuals tend to experiment and discover who they are in terms of their unique social identity and are more susceptible to health risk behaviour engagement. Health risk behaviour place individuals at risk for numerous health complications. The most common forms of health risk behaviours are smoking, drinking, illicit drug use, risky sexual behaviour, violence and physical inactivity. Life skills development has been proven to reduce many health risk behaviours in adolescents. The Life Effectiveness Questionnaire (LEQ) is a psychometric instrument which has been developed to measure life skills. Social Cognitive Theory posits that people are not driven by inner forces nor are they controlled by external stimuli, rather there is a reciprocal triadic relationship where the environment, cognition and personal factors influences learning through observation. When in the presence of their peers, adolescents are more likely to engage in health risk behaviour because of peer influence and immediate rewards. This study aimed to study the effects of the LEQs life skills domains as it relates to the engagement in health risk behaviour among Grade 8 learners in a selected high school in Paarl. This study used a quantitative methodology with a cross-sectional design employing written surveys. The sample consisted of 104 Grade 8 learners. The data was collected using self-reported questionnaires. One was the LEQ (Appendix 5 and 6) which measures life skills and the other was the Youth Risk Behaviour Surveillance Survey (YRBSS) (Appendix 7) which measures the prevalence of health risk behaviour engagement. The data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences V24 (SPSS). The results suggested that there is still a high prevalence of health risk behaviour engagement among Grade 8 learners with increases evident in some of the health risk behaviours.
Evaluating the special sexual offences courts in Cape Town and Wynberg through professional perspectives
(University of Western Cape, 2020) Blankenberg, Cheryl Marion; Bozalek, Vivienne
This is an evaluative research study which was undertaken to establish whether the legal reforms, through the establishment of the Special Sexual Offences Courts, have been effective in reducing secondary traumatisation. In attempting to examine this crucial area, I focused specifically on the perceptions of professionals who are involved in child sexual abuse matters in the Special Sexual Offences Courts at Wynberg (Court G) and Cape Town (Court 32). The study employed qualitative research methodology, in the form of individual and group interviews, structured questionnaires and participant observation, to collect data. The respondents included magistrates, prosecutors, both victims support services coordinators within the court system, social workers who work with child abuse matters, Child Protection Unit investigating officers who investigate matters of this nature and attorneys who have defended offenders of child sexual abuse. The results indicate a marked disparity in physical appearance, location and an overall sense of child-friendliness between the two Special Sexual Offences Courts; a need for joint training of inter-disciplinary professionals, and a need for a more effective multidisciplinary team approach to the problem of child sexual abuse. The findings also indicate a need for regular contact between the professionals involved at the two Special Courts to ensure uniformity in terms of service provision, and a need for the restructuring of the job description of the co-ordinator. The findings reported and discussed, suggest that the legal reforms promulgated are but one aspect to the entire area of child protection. The overall success of these legal reforms depends upon the involvement, commitment and development of a common philosophy in child protection by, the medical, social, legal and police service systems. It is hoped that this report will act as a catalyst to urgently address the shortcomings which have been identified by the respondents, and that the recommendations reported will contribute to measures which will result in the development and implementation of effective child protective policies and practices.
Experiences of orphans and caregivers regarding services rendered by the Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund of Namibia.
(University of the Western Cape, 2019) Antindi, Hilda; Schenck, Catherina
Children are the future of any nation and they need to be well nurtured, protected, supported and directed to become responsible citizens and future leaders of a nation. A high number of children end up as orphans and vulnerable children due to losing one or both parents as a result of motor vehicle accidents. Most studies in the past have concentrated on orphans that arise due to HIV/AIDS but very few studies have been conducted on orphans that arise due to motor vehicle accidents. The main organisation which was the focus for this study was the Motor Vehicle Accidents (MVA) Fund of Namibia which pays Loss of Support to orphans under the age of 21 years left behind by one or both parents due to motor vehicle accidents. The Loss of Support is payable to the minor’s legal guardian on an annual basis. An MVA Fund staff member visits them annually, one month prior to payment, to verify and check if the orphan is still with the same caregiver and how they spent the money paid the previous year. The MVA staff member then makes a recommendation either for the MVA Fund to proceed paying, or to effect the necessary changes if there are any to be made
An exploration of emotion-focused parenting of parents living in low and high socioeconomic communities, Kleinmond, Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Februarie, Doreen; Roman, Nicolette
A parent is responsible for caregiving to a child and is a significant other with whom a child has a long-term, unique, and irreplaceable emotional bond. Emotion-focused parenting is described as a practice in which an individual who is responsible for caregiving to a child interacts and engages with children in such a way to encourage them to demonstrate their emotions, affection, and understanding and acceptance thereof. Due to limited research conducted in South Africa on emotion-focused parenting practices, this study explored parents understanding of emotion-focused parenting, characteristics of emotion-focused parenting and emotion-focused parenting practices of parents living in low and high socioeconomic communities.
An exploration of human capabilities of parents with children (0-8 years) with disabilities
(University of the Western Cape, 2021) Magidigidi, Lumka; Roman, Nicolette
Parenting a child with a developmental disability has a significant impact on the lives of parents and/or caregivers as well as how the family functions. This is often due to the changes in life routines that are necessary to provide for childcare may therefore require certain capabilities of carers. There is limited research conducted on the human capabilities of parents with disabled children in South Africa. This study, therefore, explored the human capabilities of parents or caregivers with children younger than eight years with developmental disabilities. This study used a qualitative methodological approach to explore the experiences of the parents of children with developmental disabilities.
An exploration of parental connection and the human capability of emotion in the first 1000 days of life
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Marshall, Chalmaine C.; Roman, Nicolette
Emotions play an important part in our well-being and connections with others. It contributes to the connection between the caregiver and the baby in the first 1000 days. Experiences provided through the interactions between the caregiver and the baby impact the baby’s emotional and brain development. It creates mental pictures in babies’ brains, which may influence their sense of self-worth and their perceptions about the trustworthiness of other people. Parents’ quality of care may affect the baby’s social, emotional, and intellectual development. Since connectedness with the baby is an essential aspect of parenting, this study explores the human capability of emotion and its contribution to connectedness with the baby in the first 1000 days of life.
An exploration of school strategies enabling teachers in mainstream schools to support learners with Asperger’s Syndrome
(University of Western Cape, 2021) Goliath, Charlene; Roman, Nicolette
Having good educational policies that are in-line with international inclusive standards is a positive step in addressing previous educational inequalities in South Africa. The Department of Education’s White Paper 6 policy document of 2001 states that by 2021 most mainstream (primary) schools, would operate as Full-Service schools, that will be equipped and supported to meet the diverse needs of all learners. In addition, great emphasis is placed on the pivotal role the mainstream classroom teacher will play in the inclusion process.The purpose of this study was to explore school strategies that will enable teachers to support learners with Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) as prior to the completion of this thesis it was unclear which strategies were used in order to support these learners.
An exploration of the management systems supporting learners affected by HIVAIDS in schools
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Mitchell, Frederick Rudolf; Roman, Nicolette
Learners affected by Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS), are particularly vulnerable to poor nutrition, mental and physical health abuse, and poverty. This negatively impacts learning and teaching. For these students to study well, they need support from the educational system. However, how school management systems support orphaned and vulnerable learners affected by HIV/AIDS is unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to explore how the management systems support learners affected by HIV/AIDS in schools. A qualitative research methodology with an explorative approach was utilised to conduct the study.

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