Research Articles (Social Work)

Permanent URI for this collection

https://hdl.handle.net/10566/50

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 171

Adolescent goals and aspirations in search of psychological well-being: from the perspective of self-determination theory
(SAGE Publications, 2016) Davids, Eugene Lee; Roman, Nicolette V.; Kerchhoff, Lynn Joy
According to self-determination theory, an individual’s goal content and the processes involved in goal setting often represent the status of the individual’s mental health and well-being. When examining the importance placed on goal setting, an individual’s goals and aspirations are often synonymous with mental health and well-being. Aspiring to achieve intrinsic life goals has been associated with greater psychological well-being in literature. This study therefore aimed to establish the relationships between goals and aspirations, mental health behaviour (interpersonal relations, stress management, and spiritual growth), and psychological well-being (measured by positive affect). A sample of 457 secondary school learners in the Overberg Educational District, Western Cape, South Africa, participated in the study. The results suggest a significant positive relationship between placing importance on intrinsic goals and aspirations, and psychological well-being (as indicated by positive affect). However, psychological well-being was not correlated with mental health behaviour. The results of the hierarchical regression analysis suggest that importance placed on intrinsic goals and aspirations predicts psychological well-being and accounts for 8% of the variance. The results highlight the role of intrinsic goals and aspirations in predicting the psychological well-being of adolescents. The findings are supported by the theoretical assumptions of self-determination theory.
Adolescents and substance abuse: The effects of substance abuse on parents and siblings
(Taylor & Francis Open Access, 2021) Dykes, Glynnis; Casker, Riefqah
This study aimed to describe the adverse effects that adolescent substance abuse has on the levels of care giving and well-being of families. The researchers used a qualitative case study design which focused on an issue of concern (such as adolescent substance abuse) and thus selected one case to elucidate the issue, i.e., a single case study. The case would be the family members of substance abusing adolescents in Mitchells Plain, a township in Cape Town, as an exemplar for the study. Purposive sampling was used to select 12 participants, seven parents (mothers) and five siblings. Individual semi-structured interviews were utilized for data collection through the use of interview schedules. The data were analysed in the form of qualitative thematic analysis where four themes emerged, which focused on the various effects (for example, financial, physical, emotional, and distrust) on family well-being resulting from living with a substance-abusing adolescent.
Adultification, neglect and sexual abuse at home: Selected narratives of orphaned girls in KwaMashu, South Africa
(John Wiley and Sons Inc, 2023) Ndumiso, Daluxolo; Mayeza, Emmanuel
This paper explores two orphaned girls' accounts of victimization and vulnerability to child sexual abuse in their family homes. Interviews with these girls revealed a trend of neglect, adversity and processes of adultification which involved accounts of sexual abuse within their family homes. According to the data, the participants are vulnerable and they experience victimization as they are routinely sexually abused by older male relatives and non-related men and boys inside their family homes – where they are supposed to feel safe and protected. We argue that these two young girls' experiences need to be understood as consequences of the prevailing cultures of toxic heteropatriarchal masculinities which have produced and normalized the distribution of male power over girls. The kinds of interventions required to address toxic masculinities and to insulate orphan girls from sexual abuse and neglect are also discussed.
Aftercare to chemically addicted adolescents: An exploration of their needs
(OASIS, 2013) van der Westhuizen, Marichen; Assim, H; Alpaslan, Nicky; de Jager, Mariana
Treatment of chemical addiction includes preparation for treatment, formal treatment and aftercare. The latter appears to be a neglected area in service delivery to chemically addicted adolescents, contributing to the high relapse potential following treatment. The current qualitative study aimed at both exploring and describing the aftercare needs of chemically addicted adolescents. The chemically addicted adolescents included in this study received in-patient treatment as well as aftercare, but nonetheless experienced a relapse; necessitating further in-patient treatment. Purposive sampling was implemented to recruit 31 participants between the ages of 14 and 20 years. The sample size was determined by data saturation. Data for this exploratory, descriptive and contextual study were collected by means of narrative inquiry. Tesch’s framework for qualitative data analysis was employed and data verification was conducted through Guba’s model. The findings illustrated a need to attend to adolescents intrapersonal and interpersonal as well as environmental needs following treatment. The results can provide service providers with focus areas to be included in aftercare services to these adolescents.
All bad? Experiences of aging among LGBT elders in South Africa
(SAGE, 2019) Reygan, Finn; Henderson, Neil
There is an almost complete dearth of research on the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) elders in South Africa. This study was a qualitative exploration through focus group discussions of the lived experiences of 22 LGBT people over 50 years of age in the Western Cape and Gauteng provinces of South Africa. Given high levels of poverty and inequality in South Africa, findings from a thematic analysis of participants’ narratives foregrounded surprisingly strong themes of inclusion and belonging despite the structural challenges faced by many in South Africa. While narratives of marginalization and exclusion were present, these were juxtaposed with reports of belonging and inclusion in families, communities, through friendship networks, and in health care. Findings indicate that, while experiences of homophobia and transphobia are real among LGBTelders in South Africa, participants experience agency, support, and relatively high reported levels of social belonging as they age.
All bad? experiences of aging among LGBT elders in South Africa
(SAGE, 2019) Reygan, Finn; Henderson, Neil
There is an almost complete dearth of research on the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) elders in South Africa. This study was a qualitative exploration through focus group discussions of the lived experiences of 22 LGBT people over 50 years of age in the Western Cape and Gauteng provinces of South Africa. Given high levels of poverty and inequality in South Africa, findings from a thematic analysis of participants’ narratives foregrounded surprisingly strong themes of inclusion and belonging despite the structural challenges faced by many in South Africa. While narratives of marginalization and exclusion were present, these were juxtaposed with reports of belonging and inclusion in families, communities, through friendship networks, and in health care. Findings indicate that, while experiences of homophobia and transphobia are real among LGBTelders in South Africa, participants experience agency, support, and relatively high reported levels of social belonging as they age.
An application of intervention mapping as a phased approach in developing a family-centred programme to reduce violence in the family
(Bentham Open, 2017) Ryan, Jill; Roman, Nicolette V.
AIM: To describe the application of intervention mapping in the development of a family-centred approach to reduce violence in the family. METHODS: Development towards a family-centred approach is described, in which only the first three steps of the five intervention mapping steps have been detailed. These three steps unpacked as phases. Phase I, a family violence needs assessment which includes a policy analysis. Phase II determines appropriate theoretical and practical approaches through systematic reviews and lastly, Phase III as a Delphi study. RESULTS: Intervention mapping as a form of programme development is inclusive of all relevant stakeholders and allows diverse engagement with family-centred information through its structured development process. CONCLUSION: Family violence should be seen as a holistic phenomenon which affects all members of the family and future interventions must be mindful of this to address family violence effectively.
Association between knowledge of child development and parenting: a systematic review
(Bentham Open, 2016) September, Shiron; Rich, Edna; Roman, Nicolette V.
BACKGROUND: Parents who understand early child development are better informed on how to respond to children’s needs. They are also in a better position to identify developmental delays as opposed to a parent with less knowledge of child development. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the review was to systematically appraise quantitative studies to establish the association between knowledge of child development and parenting styles. METHODS: A comprehensive search, through databases namely: Ebscohost (Academic search complete, Africa-Wide information, PsychArticles, SocIndex, Cinahl), JStor, Sciencedirect, Springerlink, Pubmed and Sage was conducted in August 2014 for the previous 12 years. The methodological quality of the studies were independently evaluated and reviewed by two reviewers. RESULTS: The findings indicate that there is an association between knowledge of child development and parenting styles. While there is an association it may be more of a moderating factor. CONCLUSION: Future studies may benefit from using other forms of assessment in con-junction with self report assessments.
Associations between potential traumatic experience and mental health in adolescent refugee populations: A scoping review
(Springer, 2022) Danga, Solomon; Adebiyi, Babatope; Koegler, Erica; Roman, Nicolette Vanessa
This scoping review examines known associations between potential traumatic experiences and mental health outcomes among adolescent refugees. Little is known about the type and severity of traumatic experiences among adolescent refugees and whether the type and severity of these experiences are associated with poor mental health. Five electronic databases were searched to identify relevant peer-reviewed articles. Inclusion criteria were: 1) trauma was the predictor variable of the article, 2) at least one of two selected mental health conditions (depression and anxiety) was an outcome variable of the study, 3) the quantitative relationship between trauma and mental health was discussed; 4) participants of the study were adolescent refugees or asylum seekers; 5) the article was published between January 1, 2011 and August 30, 2020; 6) and written in English. Adolescents aged 12–18 of all genders were included in this review. Of 3319 potentially relevant articles identified, 11 articles were included. All the included studies employed a cross-sectional study design. Adolescent refugees experienced a variety of traumatic events, such as physical and sexual violence, war-related events, natural disasters, migration-related events, and verbal and emotional abuse. The review found a positive association between trauma exposure and poor mental health outcomes of depression and anxiety in all included studies across diverse adolescent refugee populations. The findings suggest that effective intervention strategies should be implemented to meet the needs of children and adolescent refugees as a vulnerable group in the host community as they adjust to the language, cultural, and school barriers and to support overall growth and development.
Authentic African community development practices in a diverse society: A transdisciplinary approach
(AOSIS, 2021) Beukes, Jacques W.; Greuel, Thomas
The South African people continuously engage in social actions characterised by intolerance, pointing to frustrations and disillusionment in a post-apartheid era. A need to find creative ways to engage diverse communities to work together to participate in their own development and well-being was identified. This article is based on long-term transdisciplinary discourse and work. The aim is to explore how the disciplines of social work, theology and the arts could contribute together towards the development of communities where participation, collaboration and cooperation as key principles of authentic community development are actively implemented. Within a transdisciplinary framework, the disciplines engaged in participatory research projects that resulted in findings that informed the development of a process where people at grassroots level become aware and more tolerant of each other, begin to work together and as such become involved in their own futures. It is concluded that by encouraging participation, collaboration and cooperation in social change processes, the South African people can be empowered towards working together and becoming involved in their own futures.
Body image satisfaction among a sample of black female South African students
(Society for Personality Research (Inc.), 2009) Mwaba, Kelvin; Roman, Nicolette V.
Numerous research studies have established a strong relationship between body dissatisfaction and eating disorders. As more and more young people in South Africa embrace Western values, the aspiration to attain the Western body ideal of beauty may be putting some women at risk of developing eating disorders. This study focused on body image satisfaction among a sample of 150 black South African female university students. Data were collected using a revised Body Shape Questionnaire (Cooper, Taylor, Cooper, & Fairburn, 1987). The results showed the majority of the women were satisfied with their body image. However, there was a minority who engaged in unhealthy eating behaviors. Implications of the findings are discussed.
Caregivers' perceptions of desensitisation among sexually abused children
(South African Society on the Abuse of Children (SAPSAC), 2013) Grobbelaar, Riaan; de Jager, Mariana
Children react differently to the traumatic experience of sexual abuse. Some children develop symptomatic behaviours associated with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, such as apathy, which may be misinterpreted as desensitisation. Others appear less affected by the sexual abuse and may be regarded as desensitised and possessing resilience. Incongruence thus exists, as the one may be taken incorrectly for the other. This study has explored caregivers' perceptions of desensitisation among the children in their care who had been sexually abused in the past. The study is explorative and descriptive in nature and grounded in a qualitative design. Purposive sampling was used to form three focus groups (17 participants). Data collection took place by means of focus groups with the aid of an interview guide. Collected data was transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis. The findings were written up, presented and discussed. The findings are recommended to be used to inform social workers and other members of the helping professions on how to approach and interact in the future with caregivers of sexually abused children.
Categorisation and Minoritisation
(BMJ Global health, 2020) Zembe-Mkabile, Wanga; Selvarajah, Sujitha; Deivanayagam, Thilagawathi Abi; Lasco, Gideon
The disproportionate mortality of COVID-19 and brutality of protective institutions has shifted anti-racism discourses into the mainstream. 1 Increased reckoning over categorisations of people demonstrate that racial categories, while imprecise, fluid, time and context-specific, embody hierarchical power. We interrogate categorisations used in the UK, South Africa and the USA; their origins and impact. We emphasise needing to recognise commonality of power structures globally, while acknowledging specificity in local contexts. In identifying such commonality, we encourage use of the term ‘minoritised’ as a universal alternative.
Categorisation and minoritisation
(2020) Selvarajah, Sujitha; Deivanayagam, Thilagawathi Abi; Lasco, Gideon; Scafe, Suzanne
The disproportionate mortality of COVID-19 and brutality of protective institutions has shifted anti-racism discourses into the mainstream. 1 Increased reckoning over categorisations of people demonstrate that racial categories, while imprecise, fluid, time and context-specific, embody hierarchical power. We interrogate categorisations used in the UK, South Africa and the USA; their origins and impact. We emphasise needing to recognise commonality of power structures globally,while acknowledging specificity in local contexts. In identifying such commonality, we encourage use of the term ‘minoritised’ as a universal alternative.
Challanges related to working conditions experienced by social workers practising in rural areas
(University of Stellenbosch, 2012) Alpaslan, Nicky; Schenck, Catherina (Rinie)
Introduction: In view of the references to the “poor working conditions” of social workers (Kusambisa in Chibba, 2011), which make it a challenge to retain social workers in rural areas (Kruger, 2008:44), and the exodus of social workers from the profession in search of “better working conditions” (Dlamini in Ngomane, 2010:4), the researchers’ decided to embark on a research project with the aim of revisiting and exploring the working condition-related challenges experienced by social workers practising in rural areas.
Challenges faced by unaccompanied minor-refugees in South Africa
(Stellenbosch University, 2016) Magqibelo, Lungile; September, Shiron; Roman, Nicolette V.; Londt, Marcel P.
This qualitative study explored the experiences of unaccompanied minor-refugees from Zimbabwe to South Africa. Ten (10) participants, from a shelter in Limpopo Province, were selected using Purposive sampling. Five childcare workers also participated. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the minors and a focus group with the childcare workers to collect the data. Thematic analysis was applied for data analysis. The findings revealed that services by statutory social workers were limited, compared to services by social workers employed in non-governmental organisations. The results highlighted the vulnerability to exploitation and a sense of hopelessness that refugee children experience in South Africa
Children’s perspectives on child well-being
(University of Johannesburg, 2009) September, Rose; Savahl, Shazly
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) through its reporting framework for nation states has prompted increasing interest on the measuring and monitoring of child well-being. The domains and indicators included in the repertoire of country measures of child well-being have mostly been constructed and monitored by adults, usually social scientists and government officials. This study explored children’s own understandings of children’s well-being. Sixteen focus groups were conducted with 200 children between the ages of 9 and 16 years. The study identified protection and safety, basic needs, community resources and psychosocial issues as the key domains of well-being. The study further highlighted the importance of perceiving well-being as an integrated whole consisting of closely interacting components rather than as a discrete multidimensional phenomenon.
Cigarette smoking and reasons for leaving school among school dropouts in South Africa
(BMC, 2019) Desai, Rachana; Mercken, Liesbeth A. G.; Reddy, Priscilla S.
School dropouts are at heightened risk of tobacco use compared to in-school learners. School dropouts are described as those not currently enrolled in school for the academic year, have not completed their schooling, and are between 13 and 20 years old. This paper examines the relationship between reasons for leaving school and past month cigarette smoking, taking into account gender differences.Multiple logistic regression was used to analyse survey data (n = 4185). Geographical location was also incorporated into the analysis as effect moderators.
Community development practitioner profiling for occupational professionalisation, skills development and continuous quality assurance
(University of Stellenbosch, 2022) Hart, Cornel; De Beer, Frik
Regardless of the worldwide acknowledgement of the importance of community development, the challenge of professional occupational recognition remains, intensified by the lack of practitioner profile data. Raising practice standards through standardised, cohesive and effective movements drives professionalism, guided by a practice policy framework that describes its practitioners’ ethical code, standardised and quality-assured knowledge and skills to be measured against regulated occupational norms and standards. This article provides a broad overview of the requirements for occupational professionalisation linked to a countrywide practitioner profile survey conducted to inform the South African Community Development Practice Policy Framework that guides occupational professionalism pre- and post-professionalisation.
Community-university partnership to enhance wellbeing of families: factors that sustain it
(Unisa Press, 2016) Roman, Nicolette V.; Rondganger, Carol; Frantz, Jose M.
Universities have a civic responsibility to engage with communities to capacitate and develop for the purpose of health and wellbeing. Although service learning serves part of this purpose, there is an additional requirement which is beyond just service learning. The requirement is a partnership between universities and communities which promotes culture, values, human rights and ethics. This paper provides a brief overview of the partnership and highlights the role of both universities and communities in the partnership as well as the potential factors that could hinder or enhance the sustainability of the partnership regardless of the context.

Browse

Browsing by Title

Results Per Page

Sort Options