Chrizanne van Eeden

Empirical Clarification of the Nature of Psychological Well-Being

An analysis of the literature revealed that conceptualizations of the nature of psychological well-being are very diverse, and that it is still unclear what the nature and/or dimensions of psychological well-being are. Scales based on several models and constructs from diverse theoretical traditions were completed by a multicultural group of 550 participants. The validity of the scales for use in this particular group was determined. The manifestations of psychological well-being in different gender, cultural and age groups were compared. Similarities and differences were found. In a factor analysis on the data of the total group, a general psychological well-being factor was identified. Psychological well-being seems to be multidimensional with regard to facets of self that are involved (e.g., affect, cognition, behaviour), as well as with regard to the domains of life in which these facets manifest themselves (e.g., intra- and interpersonal, social and contextual, in love and work). A sense of coherence, satisfaction with life and affect-balance are strong indicators of general psychological well-being. Findings from this perspective may point to new directions for capacity building.

Validation of the Values in Action Inventory of Strengths for Youth (VIA-Youth) Among South African learners

This study investigated the reliability and validity of the Values in Action Inventory for Youth (VIA-Youth) of Park and Peterson (2006) in a total multi-cultural group of South African learners aged 13 to 17 years (N=1691: male = 703, female = 988). Descriptive statistics, reliability coefficients and correlations were calculated, and confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses were performed. Acceptable reliability coefficients were obtained for most of the strengths subscales. Criterion-related validity was supported by correlations in expected directions between VIA-Youth subscales and indices of psychological well-being and pathology. Exploration of construct validity by testing of structural equation models and confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses suggested that the VIA-Youth is more homogeneous or uni-dimensional than multi-dimensional. Findings did not support the theoretically hypothesized six virtue-cluster model of character strengths.

Sport Participation, Psychological Well-Being, and Psychosocial Development in a Group of Young Black Adults:

The purpose of this study was to determine whether young black adults who participate in sport differ in psychological well-being and psychosocial development from those who do not participate actively in sport. An availability sample of 293 students between 20 and 35 years old from three tertiary institutions in South Africa completed self-report measures of psychological well-being and psychosocial development. The reliability and validity of the instruments were acceptable for use in this particular group. Students who participate actively in sport had significantly lower levels of negative affect, somatic symptoms, symptoms of depression, and pessimistic life orientation, and significantly higher levels of positive affect, sense of coherence, and self-efficacy beliefs. They also manifested higher levels of purpose and autonomy. Educational and policy implications of the findings are indicated.

The Stories of Resilience in a Group of Professional Nurses in South Africa

The objective of this study was to identify resilient characteristics, strengths, and other protective factors in professional nurses by means of validated questionnaires measuring aspects of resilience, as well as written narratives and focus group discussions from resilient nurses. Professional nurses (N = 312) completed validated questionnaires and were identified as resilient (N = 133) based on their scores. From these, 35 resilient professional nurses participated voluntarily and wrote their narratives on how they manage to stay resilient and compassionate in the profession. Thereafter, six focus group interviews were conducted with a group of resilient nurses (N = 32) at public and private facilities. Rich data on resilience in professional nurses were obtained, and consequently resilience as an enabling factor emerged. Resilience in these participants seemed to flow from—and be nurtured by—everyday resources in their lives, such as daily activities, family life, and cultural aspects. Resilience was also the outcome of reciprocal, dynamic, and context-bound interaction between the nurses and their environments, both in the nursing workplace and also in their personal lives.

The prevalence of coping behaviour, posttraumatic growth and psychological well-being in women who experienced childhood sexual abuse

This study investigated the prevalence of coping behaviour, posttraumatic growth and psychological well-being in adult South African women (n=60, mean age=32, ethnicity=70% European, 28% African and 2% Asian descent). Specifically, the study considered the prevalence of constructive coping, posttraumatic growth and psychological well-being with a history of childhood sexual abuse. All participants self-reported being sexually abused before the age of 18 years. They completed measures of coping, posttraumatic growth, and psychological well-being, in a cross-sectional survey design. Results showed moderate to high correlations among scales indicating conceptual coherence as indicators of constructive coping, posttraumatic growth and psychological wellness. About 58% of participants manifested constructive coping, 60% manifested posttraumatic growth, and 42% manifested psychological well-being. These women survivors of childhood sexual abuse had higher levels of posttraumatic growth than reported in previous studies.

An exploration of families' psychosocial well-being in a South African context

The aim of this study was to explore and describe aspects that contribute to the psychosocial well-being of families from diverse cultures in a South African context by analysing data obtained through narratives, drawings and interviews with families. Participant families took part voluntarily in family interviews (N=36), written narratives (N=23) and drawings (N=14). These different methods of data collection provided rich data on family psychosocial well-being in a South African context with culturally diverse families, as well as on those aspects that influence family psychosocial well-being. The findings suggest that communication, mutual support, togetherness as a family and spirituality are the most prominent contributing factors, while financial difficulties and interpersonal conflicts or arguments are the most prominent hindering factors with regard to family psychosocial well-being in this group of participants.

A Model for Psychosocial Well-Being of Families in a South African Context

This study applied the approach of Dickoff, James, and Wiedenbach (1968) to construct a conceptual framework and a model for the psychosocial well-being of families from diverse cultures in a South African context. Findings from previous qualitative research served as the empirical data base for the conceptual framework and model while relevant literature was used as theoretical evidence in the formulation of the conceptual framework and model. The proposed model indicates the interaction and interrelatedness between the family, family strengths and family functioning. The family makes use of family strengths, as well as family functioning to interact. If the interaction is successful it can influence or generate contributing factors that can enhance the psychosocial well-being of families. The models structure and process illustrate the complexity of the process of family psychosocial well-being, the uniqueness of South African families and the potential for growth.

Coping Behaviour, Posttraumatic Growth and Psychological Well-Being in Women with Childhood Sexual Abuse

This study investigated the coping behaviours and posttraumatic growth of women with sexual abuse in childhood (CSA) and long-term effects on their psychological well-being in adulthood. Participants were 10 women survivors of CSA (ages ranging from 23–48 years). Data on how women resiled, coped and thrived were collected using individual interviews. Interpretative phenomenological analysis were used for data analysis. The data were thematically analyzed. Themes to emerge from the analysis included the importance of positive coping behaviour, evolving alternative life narratives and the development and utilization of inner strengths.

Guidelines with strategies for enhancement of resilience and psycho-social well-being in professional nurses

There are currently no guidelines available for enhancement of resilience in professional nurses. This study aims to provide broad guidelines with specific strategies that may enhance resilience and psycho-social well-being in professional nurses. These guidelines are based findings from previous qualitative research on resilience in professional nurses in the public and private sector in South Africa. We used Kumpfers (1999) theoretical model of resilience to frame the guidelines. Resilience among professional nurses appears to vary in manifestation across settings of practice.