OpenUCT :: Browsing by Author "Addinall, Ronald"

Browsing by Author "Addinall, Ronald"

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Open Access
A phenomenology study of clinicians' perspectives on dissociation while working with traumatised children in the South African context.
(2023) Van, Der Walt Ruth; Addinall, Ronald
The statics of children experiencing trauma is extremely high in South Africa, with the expectation of 1 in 3 children experiencing sexual abuse before eighteen years of age. Trauma is defined as experiences which overwhelm the internal resources of a child and changes their perception of their lives and environment. Dissociation is a protective mechanism functioning to shield the conscious from trauma by preventing the processing of these experiences. The researcher was interested in whether dissociation is a phenomenon which is present in children living in South Africa who have a history of trauma. To determine this, the researcher applied a qualitative approach and phenomenological design to the research. The researcher used a purposive sample of sixteen clinicians practicing in the Western Cape metropole, to determine whether dissociation is present and how it appears in children who have a history of trauma. The findings showed that dissociation was found to be present in children who have experienced trauma living in the Western Cape metropole. Furthermore, the data indicated that between 60 and 80% of children who had experienced trauma present with dissociation. The dissociative symptoms and features identified were misbehaviour and daydreaming. Predisposing and precipitating factors were found to be risk factors for the development of dissociation after a trauma is experienced. These factors were the younger the child when the trauma happened the more likely the development of dissociation. Secondly, the type of trauma experienced and a disorganised attachment style with the caregiver. A protective factor identified was the presence of a secure attachment between the child and caregiver before trauma is experienced. The therapeutic treatment of dissociation was described as holistic in nature by involving the child's caregivers. The main therapy used by the participants with children who present with dissociation were based on play therapy techniques and recreating a sense of safety for the child needs to be a primary goal of treatment. Recommendations for further study was given due to the impression of limited understanding and knowledge of dissociation. The findings emphasised the importance of the caregiver being involved in the therapeutic process and therefore it is recommended that clinicians who render therapeutic services to children include the caregivers in the therapeutic process. The data showed that trauma informed polices and interventions need to be developed to further assist children who have a history of trauma and present with dissociation.
Open Access
Adolescents' perceptions of sexual wellbeing
(2022) Olsson, Emeli; Addinall, Ronald
This study explored adolescents' personal understanding of sexual wellbeing among young people aged 16-19 in Langa, Cape Town. The study further explored the participants' understanding of possible promoting and inhibiting factors to sexual wellbeing in their interpersonal and societal context. Twenty participants were selected using purposive sampling. In depth, face-to-face interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide with open-ended questions. The data was analysed using qualitative research methods. The study revealed the complex nature of sexual wellbeing and how adolescents understand sexual wellbeing in a multi-faceted sense from individual, interpersonal, and societal levels. The most prominent factors of sexual wellbeing on an individual level were identified as maturity, sexual self-concept, sexual orientation, gender identity, and sexual experience. On an interpersonal level the participants identified safer sex practices and consent as important factors of sexual wellbeing. From a societal level, different forms of sexuality knowledge and to be free from discrimination were emphasised. The findings further revealed factors that may promote or inhibit sexual wellbeing in the participants' interpersonal and societal context. The participants identified that communication about sex and sexuality in the family had the potential to promote or inhibit sexual wellbeing. Peer pressure, school sexuality education, and how facilitators at their after-school activity approach sex and sexuality discussions could influence the participants' perceptions of sexual wellbeing. The participants further found that their communities and different forms of media had the potential to influence sexual wellbeing in adolescence. The participants did not perceive themselves as having sexual wellbeing at the moment but discussed several promoting strategies for sexual wellbeing. The participants argued for the importance of positive and supportive communication in their households, and the researcher recommended to further investigate strategies to support caregivers in this role. The participants recommend an improvement of school sexuality education and sexuality information provided at their after-school activities. The researcher supported this recommendation by suggesting comprehensive sexuality education in schools and after-school activities, together with further research into sex-positive approaches to prevention programmes and promoting sexual wellbeing in adolescence.
Open Access
An analysis of the implementation of the operational alcohol and drug strategy 2007-2010 in the Marble Flats community : a case study
(2011) Johardien, Sharna; Addinall, Ronald
This dissertation focused on two key issues that concern policy implementation in South Africa. Firstly, the researcher analysed the extent to which formal government policy implementation successfully occurs. Secondly, the researcher analysed the implementation of a specific policy, the Operational Alcohol and Drug Strategy 2007-2010 (OADS), through the use of a case study in the Ottery Marble Flats community, in order to illustrate the major issues concerning policy implementation in South Africa.
Open Access
Child care workers and HIV infected/affected children
(2011) Smith, Allison Jayne; Addinall, Ronald
The objectives of this study are to explore stressors and challenges faced by child care workers working with HIV infected/affected children, their causes, what support is available to them and, finally, current and recommended coping strategies. The study explored the perceptions of 8 child care workers through 2 focus groups using a semi-structured interview schedule as the data collection tool. The findings reveal that the primary challenge experienced is working with traumatised children and working for long hours away from their children, who are often at home alone. It was also found that they not fear infection when working with HIV infected children. The primary recommendation was that child care workers receive regular counselling and that day care centres are established in low income areas to care for their own children.
Open Access
A descriptive study of the nature of mothers' involvement in a parent-infant home visiting programme
(2012) Mitrani, Susan; Addinall, Ronald
In this qualitative study mothers’ perceptions of their experience of a local parent-infant home visiting programme were described. Research has shown positive results for home visiting programmes which are being implemented increasingly throughout the world. International and local research on home visiting programmes, psychodynamic theory including attachment theory, and systems theory underpin this research.
Open Access
Emotional incest: an exploratory study of therapists' perceptions of the phenomenon and their experiences with it in couple therapy practice
(2012) Johnson, Tamsyn; Addinall, Ronald
This research study explored the phenomenon of emotional incest; otherwise conceptualised as the emotionally enmeshed parent-child relationship. The study focused on the perceptions and experiences of therapists who have encountered the phenomenon in their work with couples presenting for therapy; where one partner in the couple war or is currently involved in a parental relationship charactersised by emotional incest. The research investigated therapists' perceptions of the phenomenon of emotional incest and explored the nature of its manifestation amongst the therapists' own caseloads. The study also examined therapists' perceptions and experiences of the impact that emotional incest has on the relationships of the couples they are working with and explored the approaches therapists take in addressing this issue in practice.
Open Access
An explorative study of social workers' knowledge, experience and approach to factitious disorder
(2014) Oosthuysen, Dina Maria; Addinall, Ronald
Factitious disorder is characterised by a compulsion with an unconscious motivation to intentionally fabricate signs and symptoms of physical or psychological illness. Factitious disorder by proxy is a form of abuse which usually presents as a parent portraying their child as being ill. Factitious behaviour indicates severe psychological dysfunction, and these clients could pose a danger to themselves as well as their families. There is limited research on factitious disorder in social work practice. This study aimed to explore social workers’ knowledge of factitious disorder, the presentation and prevalence of factitious disorder in social work practice, the experience of social workers with clients with factitious behaviour, and social workers’ approach to the assessment and treatment of factitious disorder. This study used a qualitative exploratory research approach with a phenomenograpy design that enabled the researcher to explore the variation in social workers’ knowledge, experience and approach to factitious disorder.
Open Access
An explorative study of the perceptions of social workers who are exposed to work-related, secondary traumatic experiences through their clientele, of the psychosocial support Equine Assisted Therapy (E.A.T) could provide
(2013) Garland, Sarah; Addinall, Ronald
This study emanates from the fact that trauma is an increasing reality in our society and it has a particular focus on social workers who work with clientele that have been exposed to and who have suffered trauma. As a result and by using clinical judgment of social workers working in such environments, the social workers may have developed Secondary Traumatic Stress (S.T.S.) symptoms. Psychosocial support functions as a preventative and supportive tool for social workers and emotion-focussed programmes have beneficial effects on the psychosocial wellbeing of social workers by reducing their distress. This study will be exploring a psychosocial intervention called Equine Assisted Therapy (E.A.T.), which makes use of horses in a therapeutic model and enables clients to interact with horses on an emotional and metaphorical level that empowers clients to experience emotional and behavioural change and growth. The significance of this study is to enable the researcher to explore E.A.T. as a possible psychosocial intervention that can provide support for social workers and health care professionals alike who work in environments where they are exposed to high levels of trauma. The researcher made use of a qualitative paradigm that was explorative in nature to gain perspective of the chosen topic. The population for the study comprised of 16 social workers that work in the family violence, child welfare and sexual assault field and who attended a once-off Equine Assisted Therapy (E.A.T.) session to expose them to the therapy model being explored. The participants then volunteered for a semi-structured interview with the researcher which was digitally recorded, thereby allowing the researcher to collect the data and then analyse the data.
Open Access
An exploratory case study at Timour Hall Primary School of the perception of parents of children with ADHD concerning their parental challenges and coping strategies
(2015) Hasewinkel, Sian Elizabeth; Addinall, Ronald
This phenomenological study seeks to understand challenges and resilient adaptations of parents of children with ADHD at a Primary School in Cape Town, and to examine the role of the school and the school social worker in supporting parents not only in developing parental resilience, but also developing resiliency in their relationships with the school as an adjunct to forging effective parent- school partnerships. The macro systemic background to this study is the Department of Basic Education’s policy on Inclusive Education, which calls for parent-school partnerships in educating vulnerable children. Two theoretical frameworks guide this study: resiliency theory, given the increasing calls for resiliency research in resource- poor contexts; and Bronfenbrenner’s bio-ecological framework, as ADHD is a complex phenomenon in which parents and school, both micro- and meso-systemically, buffer the impact of ADHD. The research methodology is an exploratory qualitative cross-sectional single case design with multiple respondents. Eighteen parents were the unit of study, selected according to a purposive and discriminant sampling design. Data was collected using a semi-structured interview schedule, and recorded during an in-depth interview. This study confirmed chronic and overwhelming personal and parenting challenges, but also challenges around medication, and parent-school interaction. Participants struggled more than they felt they succeeded, as adaptations shadowed and were overshadowed by, challenges. Participants increasingly used the services of the school social worker, and preferred to access personal help via their children’s mental health provider, underlining the importance of the school as an intervention site. Participants indicated that school social work services should provide counselling, a support group for parents, advocacy and mediation between parent and teacher/school, and develop opportunities for parent-school partnerships. School social work services were valued because they were based on knowledge and experience. Relationships with the school were tempered by ambivalence and frustration; participants wanted proactive teachers providing in-depth and accessible contact and trained in ADHD classroom management. Implications of this study for the school, the social work profession and the Department of Basic Education are discussed.
Open Access
An exploratory study of the perception and attitudes of social work students towards mental health in Malawi
(2017) Mkandawire, Thandiwe; Addinall, Ronald
This phenomenological study seeks to understand the perceptions and attitudes of Social Work students towards mental health at the Catholic University in Malawi. This study explores perceptions and attitudes towards persons with mental health problems; effective intervention strategies for mental health problems and help seeking behavior. These objectives are supported by two theoretical frameworks: Recovery Theory in relation to mental health and the Attitudes Theory. The research method is an exploratory qualitative design with multiple participants. Seventeen Social Work students were the unit of study, selected according to a purposive and discriminant sampling design. Data was collected using a semi-structured interview schedule, and recorded during an in-depth interview. This study brought to the fore the perceptions and attitudes of Social Work students of mental health. Participants indicated that they perceive mental health problems as a real illness citing genetics and biological factors; drug and alcohol abuse; and witchcraft/spirit possessions as the causes of mental health problems, with the commonality of mental health problems consolidating them as a real disease. Participants cited cognitive abilities and normality as indicators of mental health problems. Participants felt that recovery; interpersonal relationships and inclusion are significant aspects of mental health problems. Participants felt that effective treatment was dependent on the severity of the mental health problem, citing link to services and counseling as the roles of Social Workers in providing effective intervention. Participants indicated that they would seek professional help as well as encouraging their clients to seek professional help. Participants indicated that discrimination and segregation presents as a barrier for disclosure of mental health problems as well as treatment. Participants also indicated aggression and awareness as aspects of mental health problems. Participants stated that they can easily recognize psychosis.
Open Access
An exploratory study of the psycho-social factors contributing to resilience amongst coloured adolescent females in the Mitchell’s Plain suburb of Cape Town.
(2013) Petersen, Jawaahier; Addinall, Ronald
Young coloured women, particularly within the South African post-Apartheid generation, face a number of psycho-social and economic events and circumstances which are unfavourable, more commonly known as risk factors. These factors include risk of physical harm, the phenomenon of teenage pregnancy, economic and physical deprivation, racial and gender stereotypes, unequal roles and responsibilities between girls and boys, family dysfunction and exposure to or involvement in substance abuse. The community of Mitchell’s Plain in the Western Cape, with its’ historical origin as a ‘dumping site’ for the coloured people of Cape Town during the implementation of the Group Areas Act, is one that is particularly characterized by these many social challenges. Nevertheless, some children and young people do well in life, especially in academic domains, in spite of inadequate, traumatic or less opportune experiences. They have proved themselves to be resilient. The researcher aimed to understand the factors which act as both hindering and supportive elements in a young women’s capacity to overcome these difficulties and excel academically, demonstrating academic resilience. These supportive elements are theoretically described as protective factors.
Open Access
Exploring the functioning of families living in the socially disorganized communities of Khayelitsha and Delft: A family resilience perspective
(2021) Dyantyi, Nolusindiso; Addinall, Ronald
The end of Apartheid entailed nothing less than a wholly new constitution for South Africa, but the country remained one of the most unequal societies in the world, with a small and wealthy minority dominating a large but impoverished majority, (Sisk, 1995). Minimal efforts have been made at policy level to advance the issue of family resilience, that does not equate it to economic development. Resilience goes beyond just economic stability. Resilience is defined as, “people's internalized capacities and the related behaviours that allow them to maintain a sense of integration in the face of hardships and to recovering from trauma following adverse circumstances”, (Green, 2007). South African families experience a number of unique circumstances that not only affect their family structure but also extend to the socioeconomic and relational dimensions of families, (Roman, Isaacs, Davids and Sui, 2016). The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences and functioning of families living in the socially disorganized communities of Khayelitsha and Delft, from a family resilience perspective. The study made use of the qualitative research method, applying an explorative research design to collect data from 24 families residing in socially disorganized communities. Findings of this study indicate that families living in the socially disorganized communities of Khayelitsha and Delft, experienced hardships and challenges related to severe trauma and loss. Spirituality and transcendental beliefs were found to be deeply imbedded in these families and resources, like support from the church, and practising traditional ceremonies, played an instrumental role in enabling families to be resilient. A sense of connectedness, within these families was present and it contributed in enhancing family resilience. Families needed a level of adaptation and proactiveness in seeking or accessing support outside their communities, because social support in their communities was not readily available. Some families engaged in a process of clear and honest communication while other families did not and in both contexts, the families found ways of being resilient. This finding strongly associated resilience with survival. Problem solving strategies employed by families to enhance resilience included collaborative efforts, rearranging living arrangements and making personal sacrifices. Families in these communities recommended that law enforcement be improved, family related crimes be effectively addressed; families to be provided with relevant services that will aid in enabling their resilience and for the government to engage in a participatory manner with community members in order to understand what hardships are faced by families, in order to develop effective programmes and services.
Open Access
Exploring the structural, social and economic factors that contribute to women doing sex work in the southern suburbs of Cape Town
(2011) Mpofu-Mketwa, Tsitsi; Addinall, Ronald
The aim of the research was to explore the structural, social and economic factors that contribute to women doing sex work in the southern suburbs of Cape Town in order to make recommendations that address those factors from a social development perspective. A qualitative research design was used to interview 23 street based female sex workers who worked along the Main Road from Plumstead to Kenilworth suburbs in Cape Town ... . Findings were drawn from the responses of the participants and compared with literature from previous studies on sex work and social development theories. The socio-historical context of apartheid through policies that deprived people of colour from accessing public services predisposed most women in the study to poverty and later led them into sex work. Women participants experienced vulnerability due to patriarchal oppression in away that exposed them to exploitation and being trapped in sex work. Among the social factors that led women into doing sex work was the origin of most sex workers from families at risk, a lack of social support and poor education. An overwhelming majority of sex workers entered sex work because of the need to find employment, the need to acquire capital to invest in future plans and the need to provide for necessities. Macro-economic policies such as GEAR were also found to contribute negatively to the socio-economic needs of people and exposing them to more poverty, leading into sex work.

Browsing by Author "Addinall, Ronald"

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