3. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) - All submissions
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Item The effects of idealised images on an individual's aspirations to their ideal self(2017) Nhlapo, BusisiweThe instigation of the dissertation was prompted by the heightened prevalence of idealised images portrayed on social media platforms. It has therefore undertaken a theoretical framework necessary in comprehending the consequential effects idealised images may have on South African millennials. Five research constructs have been developed to form part of the empirical framework, comprising exposure to idealised images, self-esteem, social comparison, self-congruency and aspiration to the ideal self. The use of prior literature relating to the constructs facilitated the formation of a comprehensive review, forming a foundation upon which empirical evidence could be supported. The employment of a quantitative approach necessitated the data be collected through the dissemination of self-administered questionnaires. The sample comprised 500 students from the University of the Witwatersrand, Braamfontein Campus, aged between 18 and 36. Respondents of the study were selected in accordance to a probability sampling technique, upon which the relationship between variables identified in the conceptual model were tested through the adoption of measurement scales. The use of SPSS 24 and AMOS 24 software packages, and structural equation modelling were utilised for the analyses of the data set. The empirical findings derived from the hypothetical tests suggested positive relationships between exposure to idealised images and self-congruency, and self-congruency and aspiration to the ideal self respectively. The relationship between exposure to idealised images and self-congruency was rejected due to the lack of significance and support. Despite the limitations encountered in the study, a blueprint has been provided to future researchers seeking to engage in research bearing similar concepts and segments, leading to the extension of literature and the modification of conceptual constructs. The examination of South African millennials and their constant exposure to idealised images on social media platforms provided an overview of the effects it may have on their behavioural motives. The findings obtained in the study enable brand managers, marketers and academics to comprehend the millennials’ uses and gratifications of social media in a South African context, inclusive of the varying factors that influence the formations of aspiring to their ideal self-concepts.Item The role of the breast and the uterus in a woman's feminine self-concept: a cross-cultural investigation(2015-07-02) Kuny, HillaryThe present study Investigated the role of the breast and the uterus in the feminine self-concept of black and white South African women. It was hypothesised that the loss of the breast would be more traumatic for the white woman than for the black woman. This rested on the belief that the role of the female breast as an erotic stimulus for the male and an assurance of femininity for the female appears to be more pronounced in Western society than in African societies. In addition, it was suggested that the loss of the uterus would be more traumatic for the black woman than for the white woman as the meaning of the uterus appears to go beyond that of a childbearing organ, in so far as it is linked wo the issue of sexual desirability* Two groups of black women undergoing mastectomy and hysterectomy and two groups of white women undergoing similar operations were assessed pre- and postoperatively. Women completed the Berscheid, Walster and Bohrnstedt Body Image Scale (1972) which elicited data on body image, self-concept and satisfaction with intimate relationships. The observed data were analysed using analyses of convariance. No significant differences between the black and whiteItem The mediation of the integrated approach to literacy instruction programme to grade eight learners in an independent secondary school in South Africa.(2013-09-17) Andrews, Douglas Peter SpencerThe role of literacy skills in learning and the ability to have the cognitive learning skills necessary to receive, process and make meaning of information is core to academic achievement at school. Many learners whose underdeveloped literacy skills prove to be a considerable barrier to learning struggle to make any significant progress at school, particularly at secondary school if these learners have come into their grade eight year from a remedial primary school where only a limited curriculum is taught. Often these learners drop out of the educational system altogether with no real alternatives available to them. Inclusive education policy states that schools must do everything they can to make the curriculum accessible to all learners regardless of their barrier to learning. This research project examined the critical success factors of implementing a one-on-one mediated literacy programme to eight selected grade eight learners as part of their school programme. The learners selected to be participants on the programme were identified from an analysis of background history, educational testing, and parent and teacher recommendations as learners whose specific barrier to learning was associated with inadequate literacy skill ability. The programme was called the Integrated Approach to Literacy Instruction(IATLI), and it combined the mediation of literacy skills simultaneously with metacognitive learning strategies. The research project was participatory in nature, as the researcher was the mediator of the programme to the eight learners. The project was based on participatory action research theory, and was a case-study design implemented at an independent secondary school in Johannesburg. The methodology used to evaluate the research project was a mixed research design incorporating structured surveys of the teaching staff, pre- and post-testing of the eight learners using standardized educational tests that evaluated literacy ability, semi-structured interviews with the teachers who taught the eight learners, and commentary from the learners themselves recorded in the researcher’s journal. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of the data indicated that the programme was a worthwhile initiative, and that certain critical success factors of the IATLI programme’s implementation emerged. Of these critical success factors, highlighted in the research sub-questions, success was often more evident in some learners than others. The data also highlighted a number of challenges that the programme’s implementation exposed, notably sustainability of the programme in the long term, as the programme was driven by the learning support specialist and the factor of burnout with regard to the intensive nature of the programme and its demands on the learner participants and the school’s internal structures. Other challenges that emerged were the practical aspects of integrating an inclusive education initiative into the demanding high school curriculum, and addressing the paradigm shift necessary to get all educators collaborating with learning support programme outcomes and then supporting initiatives in their own teaching.Item A comparison of males and female's identity processing style in relation to academic achievement and self esteem.(2011-03-28) Gafoor, Leila AbdoolThe adolescent years are typically marked by the exploration of different roles and lifestyles with experience culminating into a crystallized sense of self (Chae, 2001). According to de Man, Harvey, Ward and Benoit (2008) adolescents who have achieved ego identity generally have higher levels of self-esteem and tend to be more decisive, self-directed, good at problem solving and able to cope with changing environmental demands. Currently there is a lack of identity research in South Africa that encompasses gender, self-esteem and academic achievement. The purpose of this research study sets about to fill such a gap. This study attempted to investigate the differences in males and females’ identity processing style in relation to academic achievement and self-esteem. A sample of 428 first year psychology students at a well known South African university participated in this study. A biographical questionnaire, the Identity Style Inventory (ISI-3), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (SES) and 2009 June examination results were utilized. Findings of the study revealed no significant differences in males and females’ identity processing style in relation to academic achievement and self-esteem. There was however significant difference between the three identity processing styles, in favour of the Informational group on academic achievement. A significant difference was found between the gender groups only on the Normative variable in favour of the females. Implications for further theory and practice and recommendations for future research are provided.Item The effects of locus of control on the relationship between organisational climate and job satisfaction, life satisfaction and self-esteem in a call centre.(2009-06-23T05:54:48Z) Dladla, ThandiThe 21st century is characterised by a rapid technologically advancing environment, where organisations constantly change to gain and maintain a competitive advantage. The use of call centres in organisations has been in line with this technological advancement. South African organisations have not been an exception as they also have experienced the growth in call centres in the past few decades. Some of the benefits the business gains from the use of call centres include cutting costs and increased profits. However benefits to individuals working in call centres is not that obvious. Call centres have been labelled with such nicknames as electronic Sweatshops as they are characterised by poor working conditions, as individuals have to perform extremely routine tasks under extreme surveillance and harsh performance management systems. Such an environment has implications for the well being of individuals working in them. Previous research has indicated a relationship between organisational climate and employee well being. While this environment is viewed as toxic individuals continuously enter into it and some prosper than other, which brings into question whether the amount of control an individual perceives to have over his/her environment has any effect on their perception of the organisational climate. The main aim here is that work can be redesigned to benefit both the organisation and employees’ needs in the workplace. Therefore the aim of the current study is to investigate the organisational climate apparent in call centres, also looking at the relationship this construct has with Job Satisfaction, Life satisfaction and self esteem for call centre agents. The current research will also look at whether Locus of Control has an effect on this relationship. The findings of this research prove invaluable in its attempt to create awareness of the nature of work activities and quality of work life of call centre agents. The sample consisted of 97 call centre agents working in Johannesburg, South Africa. The results indicate there is a strong positive relationship between organisational climate including its subscales and Job Satisfaction, a weak and positive relationship between organisational climate and its subscale and Life satisfaction, while there was no observed relationship between organisational climate and self esteem. Furthermore the results indicated that Locus of Control does not moderate the relationship between organisational climate and job satisfaction, life satisfaction and self esteem.Item Learning strategies, self-esteem and gender in first year university students.(2009-02-10T09:37:02Z) Benjamin, FaheemaThe aim of the research study is firstly to examine the relationship between self-esteem and learning strategies amongst first year university students. From this the investigator aimed to discern whether there is a link between cognitive and affective factors in student learning as has been widely accepted in pedagogical studies. Secondly, the difference in self-esteem levels in relation to gender and year of study were also examined. Thirdly, the differences in self-esteem and learning strategies in relation to year of study were investigated. The rationale for the investigations in this study stems from the fact that first year university students are seen to be at a major life transition that brings with it challenges on an affective (self-esteem) and cognitive (learning strategies) level. The sample of the study consisted of 197 participants gathered from the University of the Witwatersrand. The instruments utilised were the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale (1965), the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory- LASSI (Weinstein, 1987) and a brief Student Demographic Survey to gain information such as the students gender and year of study. Findings indicated that there is a relationship between self-esteem and the motivation to learn- one of the components of the LASSI. However, contrary to many other findings, no cognitive-affective link was evident. Furthermore, males and females appeared to show difference in the study aids learning strategy as well as in self-esteem levels, where females proved to have more positive self-esteem levels than the males. Year of study lastly, also proved to have an influence in student self-esteem levels.