Showing papers in "Social Work/Maatskaplike Werk in 2018"
TL;DR: The authors provides a critical review of resilience theory, drawing on an array of key authors, dating back fifty years, addressing three aspects of resilience: its definition, the construction of adversity and outcomes, and the nature and scope of resilience processes.
Abstract: As resilience theory gains traction as a theoretical framework for research in social work, it is important to engage with it critically. This article provides a critical review of resilience theory, drawing on an array of key authors, dating back fifty years. The review addresses three aspects of resilience theory: its definition, the construction of adversity and outcomes, and the nature and scope of resilience processes. The relevance of resilience theory for social work in South Africa is evaluated according to three criteria: the research questions it generates, its contribution to indigenous knowledge and decolonisation, and its contribution to social development
164 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explored factors that contribute towards divorce among young couples in Lebowakgomo, and found that sudden character change, lack of and poor communication, financial problems, abuse and infidelity were associated with divorce in young couples.
Abstract: The overall aim of this study was to explore factors that contribute towards divorce among young couples in Lebowakgomo In conducting the study the researchers used the qualitative method and a case study design Snowball sampling was used in this study Eleven participants were thus identified and recruited The sample size was based on the principle of saturation The researchers used semi-structured interviews to collect data Interpretative phenomenological data analysis was employed The study found that sudden character change, lack of and poor communication, financial problems, abuse and infidelity were associated with divorce among young couples
17 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a study of the implementation of housing programmes in the Amathole District of the Eastern Cape province of South Africa was conducted, where a sample of 250 residents took part in a survey and housing officials, representatives of political parties, municipal managers, councillors and social workers were interviewed.
Abstract: The article is based on a study of the implementation of housing programmes in the Amathole District of the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. A sample of 250 residents took part in a survey and housing officials, representatives of political parties, municipal managers, councillors and social workers were interviewed. The findings revealed that most of the houses had been constructed from substandard materials and evinced poor workmanship, such as poorly fitting doors and windows, cracked walls and weak roofs and floors. The numbers of housing units and the number of rooms in them were inadequate in terms of both demand and construction targets. Although houses are being provided, their quality poses a threat to the health, safety and human dignity of the intended beneficiaries.
11 citations
TL;DR: The Handbook of Social Work and Social Development in Africa, edited by Mel Gray, confirms my view on innovation and development and, for the first time, offers a storehouse of information on social work and social development in Africa as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The Handbook of Social Work and Social Development in Africa, edited by Mel Gray, confirms my view on innovation and development and, for the first time, offers a storehouse of information on social work and social development in Africa.
11 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of family conflict on preadolescents' basic psychological needs and externalising behaviour using the Family Environment Scale (FES), Basic Psychological Needs Scale (BPNS), Youth Self-Report (YSR), and Buss Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ).
Abstract: Families play an important role in the development of individuals. The experiences that occur in the family can either promote or hinder the development of its members. This study aimed to determine the effects of family conflict on preadolescents’ basic psychological needs and externalising behaviour using the Family Environment Scale (FES), Basic Psychological Needs Scale (BPNS), Youth Self-Report (YSR) and Buss Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ). A quantitative cross-sectional correlational design was employed. The sample consisted of 128 preadolescents (MeanAge = 11.15). The findings indicated a significant positive relationship between family conflict, psychological needs and the externalising behaviour of preadolescents.
10 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors propose a program for facilitating post-divorce adjustment based on Schlossberg Transition Process Model (Schlossberg transition process model) which is adopted, amongst others, as foundational framework informing the subject matter of the post-Divorce guidance programme with the foci of this programme being informed by and based on the postdivorce recovery groups facilitated by the author.
Abstract: Divorce, symbolically speaking, may be viewed as the “death” of a marital relationship During post-divorce guidance the counsellor should, amongst other things, allow the divorcee to mourn this relationship loss, facilitate a process where the dissolution of marriage is reframed to unearth opportunities for constructive and personal growth, and to support the divorcee in terms of healthy post-divorce adjustment This paper proposes a programme for facilitating post-divorce adjustment Schlossberg’s Transition Process Model (1981) is adopted, amongst others, as foundational framework informing the subject matter of the post-divorce guidance programme with the foci of this programme being informed by and based on the post-divorce recovery groups facilitated by the author
8 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors report on the aftercare needs of nyaope users from both the users' and the significant others' points of view in Hammanskraal (a South African township).
Abstract: Nyaope is a relatively new drug on the South African market and mostly (mis)used by youths. Without targeted intervention, this drug could negatively affect the wellbeing of the people involved. Aftercare and reintegration services are often downplayed, with little emphasis in both research and practice. This article reports on the aftercare needs of nyaope users from both the users’ and the significant others’ points of view in Hammanskraal (a South African township). A collective case study was implemented through semi-structured interviews with both nyaope users and significant others. Recommendations are offered to role players involved in aftercare and reintegration services.
7 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide an overview of workplace-related limiting factors in combating substance abuse and also cover the resources needed to deal with the problem of substance abuse in the workplace.
Abstract: Substance abuse among the employed in South Africa has increased in recent years with major economic consequences for employers. Specialist outpatient treatment programmes are available to employers, yet few employees are inducted into these programmes. A situation analysis was conducted to explore possible reasons for this state of affairs. This article provides an overview of workplace-related limiting factors in combating substance abuse and also covers the resources needed to deal with the problem of substance abuse in the workplace. The authors suggest collaboration between employers and outpatient treatment centres as a viable solution.
4 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors report on findings from an evaluation study of two institutions providing transition programs to adolescent girls transitioning from institutional care in Zimbabwe, finding that gaps between the actual services being delivered and the expected performance standards affect the achievement of sustainable livelihoods.
Abstract: This paper reports on findings from an evaluation study of two institutions providing transition programmes to adolescent girls transitioning from institutional care in Zimbabwe. The study sought to understand how institutions A (government-based) and B (NGO-based) were delivering services to prepare adolescents for life outside care and whether these services complied with Standard Six of the National Residential Child Care Standards in Zimbabwe. Findings show gaps between the actual services being delivered and the expected performance standards, and how this affects the achievement of sustainable livelihoods. These gaps can be overcome by the development of a programme-based transition model and case management system.
3 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a qualitative research journey with the aim of exploring men's experiences of divorce, the challenges they faced and their coping strategies, and to gather suggestions for social work support was conducted.
Abstract: There is a lacuna in the body of knowledge, from social work specifically, on the topic of men and divorce. This prompted the researchers to embark on a qualitative research journey with the aim of exploring men’s experiences of divorce, the challenges they faced and their coping strategies, and to gather suggestions for social work support. This paper reports the findings and conclusions based on the interviews conducted with 12 divorced men. In addition, recommendations are put forward.
3 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors focus on providing social workers with a deeper insight into fathers' experience and perceptions of parent alienation in instances of high-conflict divorce, by means of in-depth interviews with each participant individually and by field notes made by the researcher.
Abstract: This research focuses on providing social workers with a deeper insight into fathers’ experience and perceptions of parent alienation in instances of high-conflict divorce. An exploratory and interpretative research design was used in this qualitative study. Data were collected by means of in-depth interviews with each participant individually as well as by field notes made by the researcher. It was clear from the research that fathers experience parent alienation as traumatic or negative at several levels of functioning. Parent alienation is a reality and the necessity for further research on this phenomenon was clearly evident.
TL;DR: A qualitative study conducted to explore and describe the dissemination of research findings and implementation of practice recommendations among 31 doctoral graduates revealed that these processes seemed to be a mere afterthought as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Research is the backbone of social work knowledge and practice A qualitative study conducted to explore and describe the dissemination of research findings and implementation of practice recommendations among 31 doctoral graduates revealed that these processes seemed to be a mere afterthought Sixteen graduates published articles from their theses, ten conducted workshops, another ten applied practice recommendations, while four published the findings and applied their recommendations An indaba is suggested to develop a framework for the dissemination and use of recommendations through networks
TL;DR: Findings of the study reveal that patients and families mobilise both inner strengths and social support to adapt to inevitable physical changes that follow a laryngectomy.
Abstract: Major advances in cancer detection and treatment options have now afforded cancer patients the prospect of a longer life. This places various demands upon patients, families and social workers in the field of oncology. A combination of quantitative and qualitative research approaches was used to explore the survivorship experiences of patients and families who presented with an advanced stage of larynx cancer, where a total laryngectomy was indicated, implying removal of the entire larynx. Findings of the study reveal that patients and families mobilise both inner strengths and social support to adapt to inevitable physical changes that follow a laryngectomy.
TL;DR: In this paper, levels of burnout as well as engagement experienced by fourth-year undergraduate social work students attending a South African university were investigated by means of quantitative procedures, data were obtained from 43 final-year social workers who completed a self-administered questionnaire.
Abstract: This article focuses on levels of burnout as well as engagement experienced by fourth-year undergraduate social work students attending a South African university. By means of quantitative procedures, data were obtained from 43 final-year social work students who completed a self-administered questionnaire. Respondents presented with above-average levels of exhaustion, professional efficacy, vigour, dedication and absorption, and below average levels of cynicism. Non-parametric procedures revealed significant differences in the levels of burnout related to population group, place of origin and household income status. Recommendations focus on monitoring the wellbeing of students and mobilising support for students who appear more vulnerable to burnout and low academic engagement.
TL;DR: In this paper, thematic content analysis was used to analyse transcripts of two focus group interviews with students and reflective reports written by two educators on strategies used to design a discipline-specific academic development program.
Abstract: First-year students at tertiary education institutions face multiple problems including under-preparedness, financial problems and adjustment to university. In response, some universities have introduced generic academic development programmes. In contrast, three educators from the Department of Social Work at the University of the Witwatersrand (UWits) engage in a reflective analysis of a discipline-specific academic development programme. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse transcripts of two focus group interviews with students and reflective reports written by two educators on strategies used to design the programme. Findings suggest that this programme meets the unique needs and professional identity development of Social Work students.