Abstract
M.Ed.
The primary purpose of this research study is to provide information to improve the health
education of adolescents suffering from epilepsy, by giving them support through
acceptance and involvement. The objective of this study has been successfully achieved.
The adolescents who were interviewed and workshopped showed an emotional,
educational and behavioural improvements. They are accepted by the educators and peers at their schools. The methods used in this psycho-educational approach are observation, interviews, workshops and discussions. The researcher followed a qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual research method. In the second chapter the researcher described the way in which the sample has been selected and the method used to collect data. In the third chapter central themes have been identified and categorised. The fourth chapter indicates the programme development, implementation and evaluation. The fifth chapter deals with conclusions, limitations and the recommendations on what needs to be investigated by other researchers of the same
interest in this topic. In this chapter the researcher also made certain recommendations to
curriculum developers and other authorities regarding the transformation process in
education, research and practice. The researcher found that the lack of adequate knowledge of educators and parents is the factor that contributes most towards rejection of adolescents suffering from epilepsy. This precipitates the illness of such people. Superstitious ideas should be set aside in the management of this illness (Maddison, 1993 :276). These guidelines are mainly based on the structure that reflects the description on how adolescents suffering from epilepsy should be supported, so that they accept themselves and are accepted by others. Their mental health can therefore be improved if their feelings, perceptions and thoughts of regarding themselves are positive and if they experience the same positivity of other people. If this is the case they might get the feeling that they belong to the society in a normal and healthy way, without doubting themselves and other people around them.