Theses and Dissertations

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Applicability of the Griffiths mental development scales-extended revised to the South African context: A systematic review.
(University of Fort Hare, 2016-01) Jacobs, Zikhona
The contribution and value of developmental assessment in the developing world, and especially the impact it has on the cognitive development of the African child in terms of early diagnosis and intervention are increasingly being documented. However, unique tests for specific cultural groups are lacking and the development thereof is a complex, costly and time consuming endeavor. Adapting internationally researched tests that have been proven to be valid and reliable in other countries seem to be an effective solution at present. The Griffiths Mental Development Scales (Griffiths scales) is one such test that could answer the developmental assessment needs of the developing world. The Griffiths Scales was introduced in South Africa in 1977 and since then an expanding pool of research has been done on the Griffiths.
Incorporating Homosexual Orientation and Identity within an existing Religious Identity: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.
(University of Fort Hare, 2015-09-30) Verity, Anne Nicholas
Research addressing homosexuals in South Africa has markedly increased since democracy. Yet there is a dearth of research on the lived experiences of homosexuals who were or are Christian and how these individuals negotiate the two identities. Most commonly the research that does exist focuses on theological or social aspects. The primary objective of this research was to gain an understanding of psychological aspects of Eastern Cape gay men and lesbian women who were raised in Christian families and who later developed homosexual identities. This was done to examine how these participants managed to integrate the two identities. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with thirteen people all over the age of 21 years, who had been Christian at some stage of their lives and who self-identified as homosexual. Results were analysed and discussed using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPPA) approach.
Exploring childhood development within the Amathole District: A case study utilizing the griffiths mental development scales-extended revised
(University of Fort Hare, 2015-01) Dawu-Tshuma,Sithembinkosi
The history of psychological assessment in South Africa together with the cultural diversity of the nation poses a major challenge to the contemporary South African assessment setting. Valid and reliable measures that are comprehensive and applicable to a variety of cultures including African and rural children are needed for use in South Africa (Louw & Avenant, 2002; Foxcroft & Roodt, 2009). The Griffiths Mental Development Scales - Extended Revised (GMDS-ER) has been identified by various authors as a measure with the potential to meet the developmental assessment needs in South Africa if it can be adapted and standardized for use within the South African context (Kotras, 2003; Van Rooyen, 2005; Van Heerden, 2006). The development of South African norm groups for this measure which accommodates children from diverse ethnic, economic and geographic backgrounds can be enhanced by a thorough understanding of the developmental trends of African children from a rural setting.
The relationship between cultural belief systems and depressiv,e symptomatology among bereaved South Africans
(University of Fort Hare, 2014-03) Heunis, Jaques Johan
The present research aimed to explore bereavement among different ethnic groups within the multicultural context of South Africa. Two correlative studies were conducted. The hypothesis tested in Study 1 stated that continuing bonds and complicated grief predict depression. The results indicated that the hypothesized model was most appropriate for individuals who had lost someone recently. Through the use of path analysis, race groups, i.e. black versus non-black participants, were compared in respect to the proposed model. The model comparison revealed no significant differences between the two groups.
Perceptions of South African teenagers on HIV counselling and testing (HCT) at an Eastern Cape School
(University of Fort Hare, 2011-10-31) Fray, Veronica
HIV counselling and testing has long been identified and used as an important entry point around the world in trying to minimise the impact of HIV, particularly on vulnerable populations. South Africa is one of the countries in the world most affected by HIV, and despite concerted governmental efforts to try to contain the disease since the 1990's; it remains a threat to the South African population today. Teenagers are a particularly vulnerable group, as they have been found to often engage in behaviours without apparent regard for the consequences of such actions. With the government's recent upscale of HIV counselling and testing, through its largest national HCT campaign which includes school learners, this study aimed at establishing the perceptions of high school learners through a KABP survey. The study found that while learners may have the necessary knowledge of HIV/ADS, this did not necessarily determine their sexual behaviour or attitudes.
Relative Deprivation and Relative Gratification in Low and High Status Groups
(University of Fort Hare, 2010-07) Rajagopale, Lynette
The present paper reports two experiments which aimed to firstly, replicate Guimond and Dambrun's (2002) findings that both relative deprivation and relative gratification increases prejudice (Experiments 1 and 2). Secondly, we aimed to test the assumption based on Social Identity Theory (Tajfel & Turner, 1979) that prejudice towards a target group would be greater than prejudice towards the more generalised group of immigrants (Experiments 1 and 2). Since Guimond and Dambrun's (2002) experiments were conducted with low status groups, the third and final aim of the present study was to determine whether Guimond and Dambrun's (2002) findings on relative deprivation and relative gratification are also applicable to high status groups (Experiment 2).
Religious oriantation and its relationship to pressure among first year Psychology students
(University of Fort Hare, 2009-12) Sam, Thirushni
The relationship between religiosity and health has been of increased interest among researchers in recent years. Recent studies suggest that religious commitment may play a beneficial role in preventing mental and physical illness, and improving how people cope with these illnesses. The present study investigated the relationship between religious orientation and pressure among first-year Psychology students. Religious orientation was measured using the Allport-Ross Religious Orientation Scale-Revised. Pressure was measured in this study using Weiten's Pressure Inventory. Results revealed few significant differences between intrinsic and extrinsic religious orientation and the types of pressures experienced. The more intrinsically orientated a person is, the more pressure the person experiences with regard to family, work, and university relations. The more extrinsically orientated a person is, the more overall pressure as well as pressures in areas of work, intimate, university, and self-imposed pressure were experienced.
The Use of Ttraditional African Dance and Music as a Therapeutic Technique: An Exploratory Study in Search of Psychological Wellbeing
(University of Fort Hare, 2002) Sandlana, Nonkululeko Shiella
Traditional African dance and music have been a way of life for quite a long time. People used to gather, share ideas and sing together. Traditional African dance and music is thought of as a way of inviting the ancestors and communicating with them. In churches members sing to praise and invite the Almighty. Western therapeutic approaches in general fail to consider the spiritual dimensions in the lives of the majority of the black population, neglecting the therapeutic potential of traditional African dance and music.
An Exploratory Study on How Managing Cases of Sexually Abused Learners Impacts Personally on Primary School Educators: Implications for Setting up Support Structure
(University of Fort Hare, 2004-11) Moldan, Samantha
The purpose of the study was to establish the personal impact that managing cases of sexually abused learners has on Primary School educators working in an East London community.·, In addition it attempted to establish what support these Primary School educators felt they needed in order to help alleviate the personal impact, that managing cases of sexually abused learners might have on them. A phenomenological approach that s descriptions of everyday experiences - Using availability-sampling methods, interviewed.
Deinstitutionalization of Schizophrenic Patients from Tower Hospital : An evaluation of the impact thereof on community psychiatric services
(University of Fort Hare, 2004-04) Jemsana, Sipokazi
Worldwide deficiencies in the institutionalized care of psychiatric patients gave rise to the latest trend, deinstitutionalization, both internationally and in South Africa. In most countries this movement was done with little or no proper planning for continued care in the community. The result was failure to support and sustain these patients in the community. This led to homelessness an increase in crime and constant re-admissions, the revolving door phenomenon. This study examined the impact deinstitutionalization of patients from Tower Hospital had on community psychiatric services. Focus was on what community services were available to these patients after discharge and whether these were utilized. The clinics used were those servicing these patients after discharge. Availability sampling was used. Twelve nurses formed the sample and were given questionnaires to fill in and records were also perused. The results, broadly, showed that the community psychiatric and support services were inadequate for proper rehabilitation of chronic psychiatric patients in the community.
An Investigation into the Relationship between African late Adolescents' Identity Formation and their Perceptions of dimensions of Family Functioning in a Rural Eastern Cape Setting
(University of Fort Hare, 2005-05) Bennett, Myron ,John
Black adolescents, especially, experience the transformation process, which is currently in progress in South Africa, as a difficult challenge. The racial changes and demands in the country have an intense effect on the way young people's identities a re formed. Brighton-Cleghorn ( 1987) stated that it is in such instances where the family structure plays a vital role in the formation and structuring of the young adolescent's identity. Identity formation can be seen as a central developmental task during adolescence, according to Erickson's (1968) stage 5 of his psychosocial theory of personality development. Marcia's (1964, 1966) identity status approach has become one of the successful and most widely used methods in the studying of adolescent identity formation. Marcia's operationalisation of Erikson's concept of identity information, the identity statuses, was used in the present study. The identity statuses represent four ways (Identity Achievement, Identity Moratorium, Identity Foreclosure, Identity Diffusion) of dealing with the identity crisis towards the end of the adolescent years.
The relationship between cultural belief system and depressive symptomalogy among bereaved South Africans
(University of Fort Hare, 2014) Heunis, Jaques Johan
The present research aimed to explore bereavement among different ethnic groups within the multicultural context of South Africa. Two correlative studies were conducted. The hypothesis tested in Study 1 stated that continuing bonds and complicated grief predict depression. The results indicated that the hypothesized model was most appropriate for individuals who had lost someone recently. Through the use of path analysis, race groups, i.e. black versus non-black participants, were compared in respect to the proposed model.
Incorporating homosexual orientation and identity within an existing religious identity : an interpretative phenomenological analysis
(University of Fort Hare, 2015) Nicholas, Verity Anne
Research addressing homosexuals in South Africa has markedly increased since democracy. Yet there is a dearth of research on the lived experiences of homosexuals who were or are Christian and how these individuals negotiate the two identities. Most commonly the research that does exist focuses on theological or social aspects. The primary objective of this research was to gain an understanding of psychological aspects of Eastern Cape gay men and lesbian women who were raised in Christian families and who later developed homosexual identities. This was done to examine how these participants managed to integrate the two identities. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with thirteen people all over the age of 21 years, who had been Christian at some stage of their lives and who self-identified as homosexual. Results were analysed and discussed using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach. Some of the younger participants had not worked through all of the issues involved in being both Christian and homosexual. Their sexual orientation had been accepted but confusion as to their place within the Church remained, whereas older participants were found to have resolved their identity issues with respect to their homosexuality and Christianity. None of the participants chose celibacy as a viable option. Only two rejected Christianity entirely in favour of living out a homosexual lifestyle. These two participants did not commit to any particular belief system following their rejection of Christianity. One participant remains ambivalent about being homosexual and Christian. Importantly the remaining ten participants integrated the two identities by re-negotiating their Christian belief rather than their sexuality. Most of these Christian homosexuals have maintained an active participation in the Church and assert that their relationship with God is intact. However, participants claim that the role of Church authority in their lives has been significantly diminished and that essentialist Christian churches are avoided. These shifts are ascribed to the pervasive homophobia experienced by participants within those environments.
Identity-related decision-making among multicultural adolescents
(University of Fort Hare, 2011) Siwundla, Lundi
This present study investigated South African Afrikaans-, English- and Xhosa-speaking male and female urban secondary school adolescents‟ (N = 1301) perception of the relative importance of identity-related domains by investigating the choices that they carried out in relation to meaningful identity-related areas of their lives. Consequently a structured questionnaire consisting of 14 domain particular areas was used. In Eriksonian terms, one could say that the South African society is in a psychosocial crisis. Almost all the domain-specific items were regarded as relevant “Very important” or “Fairly important” by a notable or significant majority of participants. All fourteen of the domains were regarded as “Very important” by at least 35% of the participants from two cultural groups, namely African and Coloured sub cultural groups; while twelve of the domains were regarded as “Very important” by at least 50% of the African subgroup and thirteen domains were regarded as “Very important” by 40% of the Coloured subgroup. “Leisure and recreational activities”, “Friendships with members of the same sex peer group”, “My political views and convictions” and “Friendships with members of the opposite sex peer group” were however, still regarded as “Fairly important” by 56%, 53%, 58% and 52% of the total research group respectively. It should also be noted that generally females in the sample were more inclined to evaluate domains that had a bearing on interpersonal relationships as significantly more important than the males namely: Friendship with members of the same-sex peer group, What kind of person I want a permanent relationship with, What kind of person I want to marry, and How I should act as husband or wife. The males tended to evaluate the domains, Sexual matters and Friendship with members of the opposite sex more significantly important than the females did.
Guilt and shame as intergroup emotions applied within the South African context
(University of Fort Hare, 2009) Byrnes, Janet
The present paper will inform about three studies that seek to make a contribution to the area of self-conscious emotions, namely guilt and shame, and their consequences for intergroup relations in a South African context. As with previous research, this research investigated whether belonging to a particular group (i.e. being a white South African) is likely to evoke feelings of collective guilt and collective shame when reminded of the atrocities of Apartheid, even though the individual members did not personally contribute to their group’s negative history. The first study aimed to investigate experimentally the effects of experienced collective ingroup guilt and shame on the desire to make reparation. The second study aimed to test the relationship between guilt/shame and reparation of white South Africans in the field. Furthermore, the second study aimed to account for the dialectical aspects of the intergroup situation by exploring guilt/shame and reparation of white South Africans as expected by young black South Africans (as members of the previously oppressed group). The third study aimed to replicate the differences between experienced guilt/shame/reparation and reported ingroup identification by white South Africans and the expected guilt/shame/reparation from white South Africans and reported ingroup identification by black South Africans as found in the study 2. In addition, the third study aimed to control the antecedents for collective guilt and for collective shame. It also explored the impact knowledge about atrocities of the ingroup (white participants) has on emotions and reparation attitudes and whether perceived status relations at present and in the future impacts the emotions as well general reparation attitudes.
Stress and traumatic symptoms among police officers: a gender analysis
(University of Fort Hare, 2008) Williams, Wendy Claudia
This study assessed the extent to which exposure to traumatic events affected the traumatic stress response of male and female police officers. A convenience sample of male and female police officers (N = 66: n Male=46, n Female=20) was surveyed at an Eastern Cape police station. The following instruments were used: 1) Biographical questionnaire 2) PTSS-10 scales 3) The 39-item stress incident scale. Findings of this study indicate that the frequency of exposure to stressful incidents especially for more serious events is significant higher than that of Peltzer (2001) study. The four most frequent stressful incidents experienced by all participants were 1) Finding a corpse after murder (86.4%), 2) Responding to a scene involving accidental injury of a child (84.8%), .3) Finding a corpse (died of natural causes) (84.8%), 4) Duty related violence (non-shooting) (84.8%).The four least frequent incidents experienced by participants were: (1) Response to the depressing social situation (71.2%), (2) Dragging of a corpse (74.2%), (3) Taking a life in the line of duty (75.8%), (4) Violent death of a colleague (77.3%).Female participants results indicated a positive relationship between frequency of stressful incidents and total threat, anxiety, helplessness and PTSS-scale , where male participants’ results indicate no significant relationship between frequency of stressful incidents and total threat, anxiety, helplessness and PTSS-scale. Findings on male participants however indicate a positive relationship between years of service in police, age of police officers and PTSS-scale, while female participants’ results indicated no relationship between years of service in the police, age of police officer and PTSS-scale.
An exploration of intimate partner violence during pregnancy: an interpretative phenomenological study.
(University of Fort Hare, 2015) Serame, Welekazi
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is the most common form of violence against women worldwide, and alarmingly, South Africa is reported to have one of the highest rates and prevalence. This study was conducted to establish the participant’s perceptions of IPV and their descriptive presentation of their experiences of IPV during pregnancy. The study further explored the social, cultural and gendered power relations underpinnings of IPV. A qualitative exploratory research design was employed for this study as a method of enquiry that aims at describing and clarifying human experience as it appears in people’s lives. Interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) was employed in this study as its theoretical framework. Data was gathered in the form of spoken language utilising semi-structured face- to-face interviews. A convenient sample of five participants was drawn from survivors of IPV during pregnancy at an organisation that offers support to women who have been abused. Results indicated that IPV in the lives of the five participants was introduced during the first month of pregnancy, the main trigger being the announcement of pregnancy. An increase in IPV ensued and continued after birth with adverse emotional and physical consequences. IPV was found to be common during pregnancy especially to those who are economically dependent on their partners. Cultural influences of the AmaXhosa were also found to have played a dominant role.
Factors mediating personal and professional development within higher learning institutions: an activity theory perspective.
(University of Fort Hare, 2011) Kriel, Denise
In the context of a higher learning institution, this paper identifies the factors that mediate students‟ personal and professional development from an Activity Theory perspective. Data took the form of written reflections submitted by second-year psychology students‟ as part of their course requirements. The reflection exercises were designed to help students to use the knowledge acquired in the second-year programme to reflect on their own understanding of „self‟ and the practice of psychology in society. Data was analysed from an Activity Theory perspective and employed interpretative methodologies. The findings of the study shed light upon the role of contemporary contextual factors mediating students‟ personal and professional development at a higher learning institution.
Negotiating identity in an online virtual environment.
(University of Fort Hare, 2011) Dube, Nompumelelo
This study investigates ways in which people in an online anonymous virtual environment use language to negotiate and manage their identities. The study is informed by the tenets of social constructionism, a theory that explores the problematic manner in which the self is taken for granted as unchanging (Burr, 1998). One point made by alternative theorists other than social constructionist theorists is the notion of the “essential self”; one tenet of social constructionist theory suggests that the “essential self” of a person remains fluid. The implication is that one ultimately changes as each day passes, for example at the core of one’s personality is an “essential self” that changes with experiences, conflicts and/or age (Tuffin, 2005). From a social constructionist perspective, the self is more fractured and contingent on life’s circumstances. This theory was found to be an appropriate paradigm from which to study anonymous online identities, where individuals were found to create and negotiate certain identities outside of those identities that people often find important to portray to outsiders in the general public. Sixty-seven (67) students from different races participated in this study and online discussions from a course discussion forum, “blackboard”, were monitored. This study found that one’s identity is negotiated in an anonymous virtual environment. Data was collected from these discussions and was analysed using Potter and Wetherell’s (1987) method of discourse analysis. Research findings ultimately found that people use discursive strategies in negotiating and maintaining their identity online, but that distinct racial characteristics were noticeable despite some attempts to mask one’s background.
Sexual Aggressive Behaviour and Incidence of HIV/AIDS Among Adolescent Males In Nkonkobe Municipality, Eastern Cape.
(University of Fort Hare, 2016) Notole, Mvuyisi
The general aim of this study was to explore the impact of sexual aggression and the incidence of HIV/AIDS among male adolescents in Nkonkobe Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Specific aims were to: • Explore the extent to which the cultural values and attitudes held by adolescent males contribute towards sexual aggression • To analyse the consequences of sexual aggressive behaviour among adolescent males based on the statistical findings of the study. Using the mixed method that was administered anonymously to and with consent from the two school principals of conveniently sampled110 adolescent males, aged 15-21 years, in Grade 10 to Grade 12, Phase 1 of the study became the quantitative research. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 18 was used to obtain descriptive and inferential statistics. Results from this study found that the null hypotheses were rejected in favour of following alternative hypotheses on 0.05 level of significance; Ha1: There is a statistically significant correlational relationship between adolescent males who have been forced in sexual intercourse by their friends in terms of sexual aggression and become perpetrators of sexual violence. Ha2: There is a statistically significant difference between adolescent males who talk about sex with their partners and sexually aggressive behaviour. Ha3: There is a statistically significant correlation relationship between adolescent males who receive sex-education from their educators and those who do not receive sex-education from their educators. In Phase 2 (qualitative research) the open-ended questionnaires were completed by 10 respondents and to identify the themes, the data was coded to bring the similarities. Hegemonic masculinity, conformity, alcohol abuse, physical punishment and imprisonment emerged as having impact on the well-being of adolescent males to be sexually aggressive and engage in risk-taking behaviour. Based on the findings of this study, further research is recommended in determining the self- esteem and sexual attitudes of adolescent males. Furthermore, more of sex-education at schools should be explicit and adolescent males be equipped in the areas of decision-making skills and self-efficacy with respect to condom-use.

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