UJ Celebrates International Open Access Week
- Authors: University of Johannesburg
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: Video
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/397986 , uj:33107
- Description: Open Access
- Full Text: false
- Authors: University of Johannesburg
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: Video
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/397986 , uj:33107
- Description: Open Access
- Full Text: false
The South African Local Government National Capacity Building Framework of 2011 : critical future considerations for 2016
- Authors: Greÿling, Susarah Johanna
- Date: 2015-04-28
- Subjects: South Africa - Politics and government - 1994- , Local government - South Africa - Planning , Local government - South Africa - Management. , Local government - South Africa - Evaluation
- Type: Thesis , Video
- Identifier: uj:13580 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13724
- Description: D.Litt. et. Phil. (Public Management and Governance) , This study focused on a literary analysis to determine critical future considerations required to position the South African Local Government National Capacity Building Framework (NCBF) of 2011. The study addressed, inter alia, the research question: What is the nature and scope of the NCBF in local government and which priority interventions could be taken at an institutional level to promote the objectives of local government as constructed within the Constitution? Although the former Department of Cooperative Governance (DCoG) (currently the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) and its key stakeholders compiled the NCBF by 2004 and reviewed it in 2008, no study has yet been made of the effectiveness of the NCBF to coordinate support, capacity building and training initiatives aimed at local government to ensure that the necessary impact is achieved. Much attention has been given to individual capacity building in local government however, their inter-relatedness to institutional and environmental capacity is not sufficiently addressed to improve each municipality’s capacity. It is widely acknowledged that the ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach adopted by the national and provincial government to implement legislation in terms of the fiscal, functional and planning arrangements for local government, has not assisted municipalities with varying legacies and backgrounds to deliver uniformly on their mandates and obligation. This ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach does not take into consideration the impact of major integration challenges compounded by spatial differences between municipalities in terms of capacity to raise revenue and to deliver services. The lack of capacity in local government is a recurring theme as is the lack of coordination and the impact on the current initiatives. There is also not yet at least one set of capacity indicators against which to measure local government’s capacity. A qualitative research methodology was followed in general and a conceptual and theoretical analysis in particular. The thesis contributed to understanding of capacity building and related concepts, theories, approaches and phenomena that influence the capacity of local government to meet its objectives. The study included a detailed exploration of skills development within the realm of capacity building. It also contributed to a specific level of understanding of the variables influencing the institutional, regulatory and policy framework of the South African government system and legislation and related frameworks relevant to local government, support, capacity building and training. The study provided an integration of the determinants influencing a differentiated approach to support, capacity building and training in the local government sector and developed a model to measure support, capacity building and training at local government level, by developing measureable capacity indicators to optimally implement the NCBF of 2011 to 2016 in the long term.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Greÿling, Susarah Johanna
- Date: 2015-04-28
- Subjects: South Africa - Politics and government - 1994- , Local government - South Africa - Planning , Local government - South Africa - Management. , Local government - South Africa - Evaluation
- Type: Thesis , Video
- Identifier: uj:13580 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13724
- Description: D.Litt. et. Phil. (Public Management and Governance) , This study focused on a literary analysis to determine critical future considerations required to position the South African Local Government National Capacity Building Framework (NCBF) of 2011. The study addressed, inter alia, the research question: What is the nature and scope of the NCBF in local government and which priority interventions could be taken at an institutional level to promote the objectives of local government as constructed within the Constitution? Although the former Department of Cooperative Governance (DCoG) (currently the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) and its key stakeholders compiled the NCBF by 2004 and reviewed it in 2008, no study has yet been made of the effectiveness of the NCBF to coordinate support, capacity building and training initiatives aimed at local government to ensure that the necessary impact is achieved. Much attention has been given to individual capacity building in local government however, their inter-relatedness to institutional and environmental capacity is not sufficiently addressed to improve each municipality’s capacity. It is widely acknowledged that the ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach adopted by the national and provincial government to implement legislation in terms of the fiscal, functional and planning arrangements for local government, has not assisted municipalities with varying legacies and backgrounds to deliver uniformly on their mandates and obligation. This ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach does not take into consideration the impact of major integration challenges compounded by spatial differences between municipalities in terms of capacity to raise revenue and to deliver services. The lack of capacity in local government is a recurring theme as is the lack of coordination and the impact on the current initiatives. There is also not yet at least one set of capacity indicators against which to measure local government’s capacity. A qualitative research methodology was followed in general and a conceptual and theoretical analysis in particular. The thesis contributed to understanding of capacity building and related concepts, theories, approaches and phenomena that influence the capacity of local government to meet its objectives. The study included a detailed exploration of skills development within the realm of capacity building. It also contributed to a specific level of understanding of the variables influencing the institutional, regulatory and policy framework of the South African government system and legislation and related frameworks relevant to local government, support, capacity building and training. The study provided an integration of the determinants influencing a differentiated approach to support, capacity building and training in the local government sector and developed a model to measure support, capacity building and training at local government level, by developing measureable capacity indicators to optimally implement the NCBF of 2011 to 2016 in the long term.
- Full Text:
The involvement of trade unions in the prevention of HIV infection
- Pelesane, Oliver Chele Radichele
- Authors: Pelesane, Oliver Chele Radichele
- Date: 2012-08-29
- Subjects: Labor unions - Research - South Africa. , AIDS (Disease) - Prevention. , AIDS (Disease) - Social aspects. , HIV infections.
- Type: Thesis , Video , Working Paper
- Identifier: uj:3396 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/6793
- Description: M.A. , The human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV), a virus which causes an illness known as acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is spreading at an alarming rate in South Africa. The exact number of people already infected by this virus is unknown, since the epidemic can only be measured by the number of reported incidents of AIDS cases. Van Bilj on (1994:7) believes that the most accurate prediction is perhaps the result of estimations based on preventative studies, projections and mathematical models. hi short, HIV/AIDS is today widely regarded as a serious problem, which affects people economically, politically, ethically and socially. Lachman (undated) considered the ethical and social implications of HIV/AIDS as follows: the first is to protect the public's health; the second is to protect the inherent rights of AIDS patients and HIV-positive people who, although they seem to be healthy, are in actual fact sufferers; the third involves consideration of the allocation of scarce resources to people with HIV/AIDS and other groups in need of health care. The seventh national annual survey of women attending antenatal clinics, conducted by the Department of Health during October/November 1996 indicated that more than 2.4 million South Africans were HIV positive at that stage. More specifically, the level of HIV infection amongst the total population in the provinces was estimated as follows: Western Cape - 3,09%, Northern Cape - 6,47%, Northern Province - 7,96%, Eastern Cape - 8,10%, Gauteng - 15,49%, Free State - 17,49%, Mpumalanga - 15,77%, KwaZulu Natal - 19,90% and North West - 25,13%. According to this survey, North West has the highest level of HIV infection, and Western Cape the lowest. Initially this epidemic mainly involved white homosexual men. Today it is mostly found among heterosexuals and is increasing among mothers and children. The development and intensive utilization of HIV testing of blood transfusion resulted in better control of blood donation in South Africa and it is still being improved. Van Biljon (1994:8) believes that over the last few years the disease became more prevalent in black communities. Most of the reported AIDS cases fall in the age group 20 to 39 which represents the largest portion of the economically active population. From the results of some research projects conducted in the work situation it can be stated that many of the potential work-place problems associated with AIDS may stem from a lack of understanding of how the virus is passed on. Employers can help to promote understanding by providing information and encouraging thorough informed discussion of the issues. Trade union leaders should also play an important part in assisting employers to develop policies which will make the life of HIV infected people better. This is an essential feature of any company's AIDS policy.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Pelesane, Oliver Chele Radichele
- Date: 2012-08-29
- Subjects: Labor unions - Research - South Africa. , AIDS (Disease) - Prevention. , AIDS (Disease) - Social aspects. , HIV infections.
- Type: Thesis , Video , Working Paper
- Identifier: uj:3396 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/6793
- Description: M.A. , The human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV), a virus which causes an illness known as acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is spreading at an alarming rate in South Africa. The exact number of people already infected by this virus is unknown, since the epidemic can only be measured by the number of reported incidents of AIDS cases. Van Bilj on (1994:7) believes that the most accurate prediction is perhaps the result of estimations based on preventative studies, projections and mathematical models. hi short, HIV/AIDS is today widely regarded as a serious problem, which affects people economically, politically, ethically and socially. Lachman (undated) considered the ethical and social implications of HIV/AIDS as follows: the first is to protect the public's health; the second is to protect the inherent rights of AIDS patients and HIV-positive people who, although they seem to be healthy, are in actual fact sufferers; the third involves consideration of the allocation of scarce resources to people with HIV/AIDS and other groups in need of health care. The seventh national annual survey of women attending antenatal clinics, conducted by the Department of Health during October/November 1996 indicated that more than 2.4 million South Africans were HIV positive at that stage. More specifically, the level of HIV infection amongst the total population in the provinces was estimated as follows: Western Cape - 3,09%, Northern Cape - 6,47%, Northern Province - 7,96%, Eastern Cape - 8,10%, Gauteng - 15,49%, Free State - 17,49%, Mpumalanga - 15,77%, KwaZulu Natal - 19,90% and North West - 25,13%. According to this survey, North West has the highest level of HIV infection, and Western Cape the lowest. Initially this epidemic mainly involved white homosexual men. Today it is mostly found among heterosexuals and is increasing among mothers and children. The development and intensive utilization of HIV testing of blood transfusion resulted in better control of blood donation in South Africa and it is still being improved. Van Biljon (1994:8) believes that over the last few years the disease became more prevalent in black communities. Most of the reported AIDS cases fall in the age group 20 to 39 which represents the largest portion of the economically active population. From the results of some research projects conducted in the work situation it can be stated that many of the potential work-place problems associated with AIDS may stem from a lack of understanding of how the virus is passed on. Employers can help to promote understanding by providing information and encouraging thorough informed discussion of the issues. Trade union leaders should also play an important part in assisting employers to develop policies which will make the life of HIV infected people better. This is an essential feature of any company's AIDS policy.
- Full Text:
Enkele aanbevelings vir die keuse van Afrikaanse literêre tekste vir Batswana adolessente in Mmabatho
- Authors: Mocumi, Dipuo Agnes
- Date: 2012-08-22
- Subjects: Teenagers - Books and reading - South Africa , Reading interests - South Africa , Reading (Secondary) - South Africa , Literature - Study and teaching (Secondary) - South Africa
- Type: Thesis , Video
- Identifier: uj:2952 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/6379
- Description: M.Ed. , The language policy of South Africa recognises 11 official languages, all of which have been given equal status, but many of these languages are hardly being promoted in schools and public life. It is clear that the status of Afrikaans, for one, is gradually dwindling. The reading of literature is an important factor in sustaining and promoting the vitality of a language. The aim of this study is to find out what the reading preference of Black adolescents in the rural area of Majemantsho in Mafikeng in the North West Province is. For this aim to be achieved, an interpretative design was applied and the qualitative data collection method used, which includes interviews. The major finding of this investigation is that these teenagers like to read literature, but with the proviso that the texts have to do with what is currently happening in their lives and can help them to solve their life problems. They also prefer to read about characters that are role models, for example, heroes, celebrities, public figures and characters of their own age group. The main implications of these findings are: There is a need for teenagers to be given a chance to choose literary texts. There is a need for some form of communication between the Department of Education, writers, publishers, educators, librarians, teenagers, and all other stakeholders involved in the choice of adolescent literary texts. Teachers of literature should also improve their methods of teaching literature. Afrikaans literature lessons like those in other languages should be kept stimulating and relevant to their target group
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mocumi, Dipuo Agnes
- Date: 2012-08-22
- Subjects: Teenagers - Books and reading - South Africa , Reading interests - South Africa , Reading (Secondary) - South Africa , Literature - Study and teaching (Secondary) - South Africa
- Type: Thesis , Video
- Identifier: uj:2952 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/6379
- Description: M.Ed. , The language policy of South Africa recognises 11 official languages, all of which have been given equal status, but many of these languages are hardly being promoted in schools and public life. It is clear that the status of Afrikaans, for one, is gradually dwindling. The reading of literature is an important factor in sustaining and promoting the vitality of a language. The aim of this study is to find out what the reading preference of Black adolescents in the rural area of Majemantsho in Mafikeng in the North West Province is. For this aim to be achieved, an interpretative design was applied and the qualitative data collection method used, which includes interviews. The major finding of this investigation is that these teenagers like to read literature, but with the proviso that the texts have to do with what is currently happening in their lives and can help them to solve their life problems. They also prefer to read about characters that are role models, for example, heroes, celebrities, public figures and characters of their own age group. The main implications of these findings are: There is a need for teenagers to be given a chance to choose literary texts. There is a need for some form of communication between the Department of Education, writers, publishers, educators, librarians, teenagers, and all other stakeholders involved in the choice of adolescent literary texts. Teachers of literature should also improve their methods of teaching literature. Afrikaans literature lessons like those in other languages should be kept stimulating and relevant to their target group
- Full Text:
The effect of homoeopathic simillimum treatment on professional vocalists suffering from voice disorders
- Authors: Khoza, Simphiwe C. Khoza
- Date: 2012-08-01
- Subjects: Voice disorders , Voice disorders - Homeopathic treatment
- Type: Thesis , Video
- Identifier: uj:8910 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/5381
- Description: M.Tech. , Voice disorders are defined as any deviation in quality, pitch or other basic vocal attributes, which consistently interfere with vocal ability (Kaufman and Johnson, 1991). Voice disorders are medical conditions or problems that affect a patient’s ability to use their voice efficiently. Voice disorders in any professional vocalist may have emotional, social, economical and financial implications. There is limited research on the effect of homoeopathic treatment of voice disorders. The aim of this study was to determine by means of case studies, the effect of homoeopathic simillimum treatment on professional vocalists suffering from voice disorders. The vocal and laryngeal symptoms were monitored by means of laryngoscopy and the modified Singing Voice Handicap Index. This was a descriptive study, using ten case studies. The study was conducted over a period of 12 weeks. Participants were recruited from the music-recording studio in Gauteng. All participants completed a selection questionnaire and had undergone laryngoscopy to rule out pathology. All participants underwent a complete Homoeopathic case taking, physical examination and completed the Singing Voice Handicap Index questionnaire. The researcher, to determine the similimum remedy for each participant’s case holistically used each participant’s unique physical, mental and emotional symptoms. All cases were repertorised, and the simillimum remedy found. All remedies were given in the 200cH potency based on the similarity of the remedy to the participant’s disease. Each participant attended six consultations, which took place at two-week intervals. At each follow up consultation, the participants completed the Singing Voice Handicap Index questionnaires and a case history was reviewed. Participants went for the final laryngoscopy screening during the last consultation. Treatment focused on the constitutional and emotional aspects of the individual. The physical manifestations of each participant were considered. This complies with the principles of classical homoeopathy, which states that the individual is a holistic entity, and should be treated as such. The voice disorder symptoms as measured by the Singing Voice Handicap Index improved in terms of severity and frequency for all ten participants. The results show a general improvement in the frequency, duration and intensity of discomfort and pain in the larynx associated with voice disorders. The results show an improvement in the emotional and general wellbeing of all participants over the study period.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Khoza, Simphiwe C. Khoza
- Date: 2012-08-01
- Subjects: Voice disorders , Voice disorders - Homeopathic treatment
- Type: Thesis , Video
- Identifier: uj:8910 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/5381
- Description: M.Tech. , Voice disorders are defined as any deviation in quality, pitch or other basic vocal attributes, which consistently interfere with vocal ability (Kaufman and Johnson, 1991). Voice disorders are medical conditions or problems that affect a patient’s ability to use their voice efficiently. Voice disorders in any professional vocalist may have emotional, social, economical and financial implications. There is limited research on the effect of homoeopathic treatment of voice disorders. The aim of this study was to determine by means of case studies, the effect of homoeopathic simillimum treatment on professional vocalists suffering from voice disorders. The vocal and laryngeal symptoms were monitored by means of laryngoscopy and the modified Singing Voice Handicap Index. This was a descriptive study, using ten case studies. The study was conducted over a period of 12 weeks. Participants were recruited from the music-recording studio in Gauteng. All participants completed a selection questionnaire and had undergone laryngoscopy to rule out pathology. All participants underwent a complete Homoeopathic case taking, physical examination and completed the Singing Voice Handicap Index questionnaire. The researcher, to determine the similimum remedy for each participant’s case holistically used each participant’s unique physical, mental and emotional symptoms. All cases were repertorised, and the simillimum remedy found. All remedies were given in the 200cH potency based on the similarity of the remedy to the participant’s disease. Each participant attended six consultations, which took place at two-week intervals. At each follow up consultation, the participants completed the Singing Voice Handicap Index questionnaires and a case history was reviewed. Participants went for the final laryngoscopy screening during the last consultation. Treatment focused on the constitutional and emotional aspects of the individual. The physical manifestations of each participant were considered. This complies with the principles of classical homoeopathy, which states that the individual is a holistic entity, and should be treated as such. The voice disorder symptoms as measured by the Singing Voice Handicap Index improved in terms of severity and frequency for all ten participants. The results show a general improvement in the frequency, duration and intensity of discomfort and pain in the larynx associated with voice disorders. The results show an improvement in the emotional and general wellbeing of all participants over the study period.
- Full Text:
Enabling higher education development through challenging commercial academic publishing
- Authors: Habib, Adam
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Open access , Academic publishing , Commercial publishing , Academic journal subscriptions , Berlin Declaration on Open Access to Knowledge in the Sciences and Humanities
- Type: Video
- Identifier: uj:1627 , http://hml.uj.ac.za/Play.aspx?VideoId=113 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8250
- Description: The history of the Berlin Declaration In 2003, a landmark meeting organised by the Max Planck Society and the European Cultural Heritage Online project brought together international experts with the aim of developing a new web-based research environment using the Open Access paradigm as a mechanism for having scientific knowledge and cultural heritage accessible worldwide. As a result of the meeting, leading international research, scientific, and cultural institutions issued and signed: The Berlin Declaration on Open Access to Knowledge in the Sciences and Humanities, a document that outlines concrete steps to promote the Internet as a medium for disseminating global knowledge. The Berlin Declaration builds on the widely accepted Budapest Open Access Initiative, which calls for the results of research produced by authors without expectation of payment to be made widely available on the Internet, and to carry permissions necessary for users to use and re-use results in a way that accelerates the pace of scholarship and research.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Habib, Adam
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Open access , Academic publishing , Commercial publishing , Academic journal subscriptions , Berlin Declaration on Open Access to Knowledge in the Sciences and Humanities
- Type: Video
- Identifier: uj:1627 , http://hml.uj.ac.za/Play.aspx?VideoId=113 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8250
- Description: The history of the Berlin Declaration In 2003, a landmark meeting organised by the Max Planck Society and the European Cultural Heritage Online project brought together international experts with the aim of developing a new web-based research environment using the Open Access paradigm as a mechanism for having scientific knowledge and cultural heritage accessible worldwide. As a result of the meeting, leading international research, scientific, and cultural institutions issued and signed: The Berlin Declaration on Open Access to Knowledge in the Sciences and Humanities, a document that outlines concrete steps to promote the Internet as a medium for disseminating global knowledge. The Berlin Declaration builds on the widely accepted Budapest Open Access Initiative, which calls for the results of research produced by authors without expectation of payment to be made widely available on the Internet, and to carry permissions necessary for users to use and re-use results in a way that accelerates the pace of scholarship and research.
- Full Text:
The countries major political parties have held their first televised election debates.
- SABC2
- Authors: SABC2
- Date: 2009-03-13T08:07:37Z
- Subjects: ANC , COPE , DA , Human science research council , IFP , UDM
- Type: Video
- Identifier: uj:1075 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2280
- Description: The countries major political parties have held their first televised election debates.
- Full Text: false
- Authors: SABC2
- Date: 2009-03-13T08:07:37Z
- Subjects: ANC , COPE , DA , Human science research council , IFP , UDM
- Type: Video
- Identifier: uj:1075 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2280
- Description: The countries major political parties have held their first televised election debates.
- Full Text: false
Solution focused therapy with a young client experiencing emotional problems : an educational psychological perspective.
- Authors: Du Plessis, Nina Yolana
- Date: 2008-08-15T07:44:28Z
- Subjects: solution-focused therapy , emotions in adolescence , emotions in children
- Type: Video
- Identifier: uj:7785 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/867
- Description: As our society has changed and progressed through the ages, so has the field of psychology. With the fast pace of living and the higher standards of living the need for more cost effective short term therapy has surfaced. Several of the approaches were accordingly established, of which Solution-Focused Therapy is one of them. However, what makes Solution-Focused Therapy so unique is the specific positivity that exudes from it. It is so geared toward empowering its clients through its particular focus on solution-building that it gives a whole new dimension to the hope it gives its clients. However, one of my concerns is whether Solution-Focused Therapy, with its specific briefness, is sufficient to facilitate and create change, particularly with young clients who are experiencing emotional problems. Although previous studies done on Solution-Focused Therapy indicates a high success rate, there too have been concerns relating to its effectiveness in appropriately addressing more severe and longstanding emotional problems. It is for this reason that I was interested in investigating what Solution-Focused Therapy was capable of doing in alleviating a young person’s emotional concerns. More specifically, I am searching for an answer to what the experiences are of a young client with emotional problems of Solution-Focused Therapy. The aim is not to investigate the emotional concern but rather on the effectiveness of Solution-Focused Therapy in addressing them. As a result, the client chosen was randomly selected. The only real demarcated criteria rested on the fact that the client had to be a young client who is English speaking and who presented with any given emotional problem. Due to the fact that the investigation is on an intangible therapeutic intervention, the application of a more interpretive qualitative study using a single case study design type appeared more applicable. This approach and design type would ensure the best opportunities to obtain the in-depth insider information regarding the client’s particular therapeutic experiences and possibly giving hints with regard to how it may have helped him to resolve his emotional problems. Specific to a qualitative single case study design type, specific data gathering and analysis methods were used, such as semi-structured interviews held with the client and his biological parents. Other data gathering techniques included the use of observations, video recordings, therapy session notes. Each of the sessions was accordingly video taped from which further observations were made. Therapy session notes were also used to gather important qualitative information. Through out the therapy process the client additionally created collages, which could also be analyzed. Once all the data was gathered, each of the video recordings and follow-up interviews were transcribed and together with the collages were analyzed through a process of content analysis. Re-emerging themes were then coded, categorized and described in as much detail as possible. From the data described in this research report, it became clear that Solution-Focused Therapy greatly assisted the client in coping better with his specific emotional problems, thereby implying that Solution-Focused Therapy was sufficient in facilitating and creating change in a young client experiencing emotional problems. However, with this verification came new questions. Firstly, did the client’s change process happen too rapidly for it to be sustained? Can the conclusions be truly accurate seeing as though they were made immediately after the research? Has sufficient time been spent on understanding the actual problem for the client to identify workable solutions? Is the therapist clouded by the complete positivity to remain objective in therapy in light of keeping solutions realistic? In light of this, the client appeared to be in such a good space that exuded with positivity and solutions that only empowered this client to take back control over his life. A new sense of hope was instilled that allowed him to dream again and create the changes he desired. Through the specific techniques of Solution-Focused Therapy, this client was able to change a very negative mindset to one that is positive and yet realistic as well, irrespective of whether the change took place of two sessions or eight as proposed by the theory on Solution-Focused Therapy. , Mrs. H. Krige
- Full Text:
- Authors: Du Plessis, Nina Yolana
- Date: 2008-08-15T07:44:28Z
- Subjects: solution-focused therapy , emotions in adolescence , emotions in children
- Type: Video
- Identifier: uj:7785 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/867
- Description: As our society has changed and progressed through the ages, so has the field of psychology. With the fast pace of living and the higher standards of living the need for more cost effective short term therapy has surfaced. Several of the approaches were accordingly established, of which Solution-Focused Therapy is one of them. However, what makes Solution-Focused Therapy so unique is the specific positivity that exudes from it. It is so geared toward empowering its clients through its particular focus on solution-building that it gives a whole new dimension to the hope it gives its clients. However, one of my concerns is whether Solution-Focused Therapy, with its specific briefness, is sufficient to facilitate and create change, particularly with young clients who are experiencing emotional problems. Although previous studies done on Solution-Focused Therapy indicates a high success rate, there too have been concerns relating to its effectiveness in appropriately addressing more severe and longstanding emotional problems. It is for this reason that I was interested in investigating what Solution-Focused Therapy was capable of doing in alleviating a young person’s emotional concerns. More specifically, I am searching for an answer to what the experiences are of a young client with emotional problems of Solution-Focused Therapy. The aim is not to investigate the emotional concern but rather on the effectiveness of Solution-Focused Therapy in addressing them. As a result, the client chosen was randomly selected. The only real demarcated criteria rested on the fact that the client had to be a young client who is English speaking and who presented with any given emotional problem. Due to the fact that the investigation is on an intangible therapeutic intervention, the application of a more interpretive qualitative study using a single case study design type appeared more applicable. This approach and design type would ensure the best opportunities to obtain the in-depth insider information regarding the client’s particular therapeutic experiences and possibly giving hints with regard to how it may have helped him to resolve his emotional problems. Specific to a qualitative single case study design type, specific data gathering and analysis methods were used, such as semi-structured interviews held with the client and his biological parents. Other data gathering techniques included the use of observations, video recordings, therapy session notes. Each of the sessions was accordingly video taped from which further observations were made. Therapy session notes were also used to gather important qualitative information. Through out the therapy process the client additionally created collages, which could also be analyzed. Once all the data was gathered, each of the video recordings and follow-up interviews were transcribed and together with the collages were analyzed through a process of content analysis. Re-emerging themes were then coded, categorized and described in as much detail as possible. From the data described in this research report, it became clear that Solution-Focused Therapy greatly assisted the client in coping better with his specific emotional problems, thereby implying that Solution-Focused Therapy was sufficient in facilitating and creating change in a young client experiencing emotional problems. However, with this verification came new questions. Firstly, did the client’s change process happen too rapidly for it to be sustained? Can the conclusions be truly accurate seeing as though they were made immediately after the research? Has sufficient time been spent on understanding the actual problem for the client to identify workable solutions? Is the therapist clouded by the complete positivity to remain objective in therapy in light of keeping solutions realistic? In light of this, the client appeared to be in such a good space that exuded with positivity and solutions that only empowered this client to take back control over his life. A new sense of hope was instilled that allowed him to dream again and create the changes he desired. Through the specific techniques of Solution-Focused Therapy, this client was able to change a very negative mindset to one that is positive and yet realistic as well, irrespective of whether the change took place of two sessions or eight as proposed by the theory on Solution-Focused Therapy. , Mrs. H. Krige
- Full Text:
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