Doctoral Degrees (Psychology)

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Adaptation in new parent married couples : key processes and qualities of resilience
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2016-12) Olckers, Friedel; Greeff, A. P.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Psychology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Couple resilience refers to the abilities and relational processes of a couple that enable them to endure, persevere, and negotiate adversarial circumstances. Most literature on the transition to parenthood tend to focus on negative factors of this normative stage. Scholars emphasise the distinct drop in marital satisfaction, individual well-being and relationship quality, postpartum depression as well as individual and joint losses (Bateman & Bharj, 2009; Cavanaugh, 2006). An important contribution to marital literature will be to establish which factors help couple relationships to excel and succeed. The primary objective of this qualitative study was to identify, explore and describe resilience qualities and processes of new-parent married couples associated with positive adaptation to the arrival of their firstborn. The secondary objective was to determine the resemblance in qualities and processes of resilience as identified among African and White couples. The theoretical foundation of the study resides in the Resiliency Model of Family Stress, Adjustment and Adaptation (McCubbin & McCubbin, 1996), the family life cycle perspective (Carter & McGoldrick, 2003) and the Key Family Processes as outlined by Walsh (2012). Twenty-two new-parent married couples (13 White and 9 African) living in Cape Town, South Africa took part in semi-structured interviews. The analysis generated 21 themes as foundation to their couple resilience. These 21 themes represent five categories, each structured according to the identified themes. Under couple factors eight themes emerged: communication, couple time, duration of relationship before childbirth, boundaries, shared hardships, healthy lifestyle, prioritisation of the couple relationship, and time for own and couple growth and fulfilment. Individual factors comprised four themes: spousal personalities, ‘me time’, background and upbringing, and physical attributes. Baby factors presented a single theme: characteristics of the child. Parenting factors entailed: the parenting unit, routine, involved father, planning and preparation, flexibility, and practical parenting style. External factors described two themes: social support and spirituality. Despite the inclusion of two cultural groups in this study, 19 common (typical) themes (qualities and processes) were identified that new-parent married couples may exhibit. The findings give additional insight into the transition to parenthood and couple resilience by recognising an interconnectedness among different themes. This research on positive adaptation, obtained useful information on how protective and recovery resources function in South African first-time parents. Thus, the present study contributes towards the body of knowledge on the resilience construct, whilst simultaneously generating knowledge relevant to the South African context. The findings have practical implications for preventative and therapeutic interventions, which focus on either new-parent married couples, or prospective parents.
The development and assessment of a family resilience-enhancement programme
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2010-12) Holtzkamp, Joanita; Greeff, A. P.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Psychology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: A probe into resilience research has revealed that psychologists have taken on the role of “keepers of the crypt”, where our attained knowledge has been “entombed” by virtue of our reluctance to allow it to bear practical fruition. Consequently, the impetus of the research is a response to the aforementioned gap and is explicated in four phases: Phase 1: A detailed literature review consisting of the review and integration of appropriate preceding resilience research, thereby serving as a possible reference guide for future studies; Phase 2: Provision of a succinct, comprehensive framework for programme development within the field of psychology; Phase 3: Family hardiness was selected as the resilience quality to be attended to via the development of a universal, multidimensional resilience-enhancement programme; Phase 4: An assessment of whether the resilience-enhancement programme is successful in developing the selected resilience quality in families. Following the salutogenic approach, the main theoretical foundation of the investigation resides in the Resiliency Model of Stress, Adjustment and Adaptation (McCubbin & Thompson, 1991). The significant contribution of the research is its provision of a framework for programme development within the field of psychology. Self-report questionnaires and open-ended questions were completed by mothers as representatives of their families. Therefore, the research amalgamated both qualitative and quantitative measures in its quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest natural control-group research design. A total of fifty families living in the Western Cape, South Africa participated in the research. The statistical trends observed in the study hinted at the enhancement potential of family hardiness. It became evident that gender, level of education, income and occupation, emotional intelligence and the time frame of interventions affected the enhancement potential of family hardiness. Age may also play a role, but the conflicting research results render conclusions about the correlation between age and hardiness questionable. Comparative studies would clarify this aspect. Future studies attempting to develop these findings further, need to consider the influence of factors such as gender, level of education, income and occupation, emotional intelligence and the time frame of interventions. Family hardiness is but one of the identified resilience qualities. An exploration of the enhancement potential of other identified resilience qualities will provide a plethora of interventions for service providers to choose from, enabling them to meet families and communities at their point of need.
Die identifisering, beskrywing en riglyne vir die ontwikkeling van veerkragtigheidskenmerke in gesinne waarvan ʼn ouer alkohol misbruik: ʼn gesinsperspektief
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2016-03) van den Berg, Estelle; Greeff, A. P.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Psychology
ENGLISH ABSTRACT : Alcohol abuse is a major problem worldwide and in South Africa which not only affects individuals, but families and communities as well. In South Africa, the Western Cape is the province with the highest prevalence of alcohol abuse. Alcohol abuse is also the most prevalent amongst the coloured population group and in rural areas. Despite the potentially negative impact that parental alcohol abuse can have on families, some families are capable of coping with and overcoming this adversity. Families who have the ability to withstand and rebound from disruptive life challenges, such as when a parent in the family abuses alcohol, are referred to as resilient families. The main objective of this investigation was to determine which family characteristics can be associated with positive adaptation in families in which a parent abuses alcohol in a rural area of the Western Cape among the coloured population, based on family membersʼ views. The secondary objective of this investigation was to provide guidelines based on family membersʼ perspectives for how these characteristics can be developed in order to help families cope with the crisis of alcohol abuse. Although family resilience studies regarding parental alcohol abuse were found in the international literature, there is a lack of similar studies in South Africa. The lack of local studies that are qualitative in nature, that focus on family resilience rather than individual resilience and where the parent is the family member that abuses alcohol, allows for an investigation in which the unique factors of this group of participants can be identified and described. Participants were 18 families of which one or both parents had been abusing alcohol for six months or longer. In 15 cases, the mother acted as the representative of the family, and in one case the father. In two cases both the mother and a daughter who still lives with them at home participated on behalf of the family. Data were collected by means of semi-structured interviews and analysed thematically. The results are presented in four sections, namely participants’ descriptions of how their families are characterised, participants’ experiences of the negative effect of alcohol abuse, participants’ descriptions of family resilience characteristics, and participants’ suggestions for guidelines for the development of an intervention programme for families with parental alcohol abuse. Themes that related to participants’ descriptions of how their families are characterised were: alcohol abuse is at its worst over weekends and in the month of December; other family members are against alcohol abuse; domestic violence; more than one family member abuses alcohol; only the parent that abuses alcohol can help him-/herself; the parent has been abusing alcohol his/her whole life and has had relapses; the parent does not want to admit the problem or the severity of the problem; and stressors. Themes that related to participants’ experiences of the negative effect of alcohol abuse were the negative effects of alcohol abuse on finances, the community, the family, health, the marriage, children and careers. Themes that related to participants’ descriptions of family resilience factors included family problem-solving communication, family time and routines, religion, support from community resources, social support, and other factors. Themes that related to participants’ suggestions for guidelines for the development of an intervention programme were: to emphasise the importance of the youth; to involve families with parental alcohol abuse in the community; to link the programme to a religious component; to help people to not start drinking, drink less or stop drinking; to make the intervention programme prolonged and continuous; as well as to receive rehabilitation, counselling or therapy. Based on the identified resilience characteristics and advice to other families, suggestions are made for how these factors can be implemented in order to develop a family resilience intervention programme for families with parental alcohol abuse.
The identification of resilience in, and the development of a corresponding intervention programme for families with a parent living with major depressive disorder
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2009-12) Bester, Carin; Greeff, A. P.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Psychology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Major Depressive Disorder is a prevalent psychiatric illness that poses critical risk factors to families. Risk factors associated with depression are widely researched, but limited South African and international research exists with regard to family resilience factors and intervention programmes associated with these high-risk families. The aim of the present study was to address these limitations by (a) identifying and describing the qualities of resilience in families in which a parent had been living with Major Depressive Disorder, (b) developing a family intervention programme for parents to strengthen and enhance a quality of resilience and, finally, following the intervention programme, (c) to evaluate the impact of the intervention programme on the identified resilience quality. The research was divided into two phases in order to address the above-mentioned, namely the descriptive phase (Phase 1) and the intervention phase (Phase 2). The results of the descriptive phase revealed various statistically significant correlations between the independent variables and the dependent variable, namely family adaptation, as measured by The Family Attachment Changeability Index 8 (FACI8) (McCubbin et al., 1996). The strongest statistically significant correlation was found between family problem solving and communication, and family adaptation. This steered the development of the intervention programme, aiming it at enhancing family problem solving and communication as a family resilience quality. An experimental design was used to evaluate the impact of the intervention programme. Analysis 1 revealed a trend (not statistical significant on a 5% level), suggesting that negative communication decreased over a three-month period after the intervention programme. Analysis 2 supported this trend on a 5% level. The qualitative post-test data reveal that the participants perceived the intervention programme in a very positive light, namely as a beneficial and educational experience. Furthermore, the three-month follow-up assessment showed that the majority (81%) of the participants indicated that the intervention programme impacted positively on their family’s communication.
The impact of an interim protection order (Domestic Violence Act 116 of 1998) on the victims of domestic violence
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2007-03) Vogt, Tertia; Greeff, A. P.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Psychology.
Domestic violence is a serious social problem, both in Southern Africa, as well as globally. From March 2003 to February 2004 a total of 27 071 men and women were assisted by Mosaic to apply for Interim Protection Orders (IPO), in the domestic violence sections of eleven Magistrates’ Courts in the Western Cape in South Africa. Mosaic is a nongovernmental organisation and provides free support services to all victims of domestic violence. The IPO, which is the practical tool and legal document of the South African Domestic Violence Act 116 of 1998, is issued by a Magistrate’s Court. It is supposed to protect victims from physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, verbal and/or economic abuse, harassment, intimidation, stalking, damage to and entering of their property without their consent, in the interim period before a Final Protection Order is granted. The primary objectives of this study are to determine the impact of an IPO on the nature and the extent of domestic violence, the impact of an IPO on the general well-being of the victims of domestic violence and the efficiency of the application procedure for an IPO. The secondary objectives are to compile a profile of the victims of domestic violence in different cultural groups, to describe and compare the nature and the extent of domestic violence in different cultural groups, to review the role of the police in the implementation of an IPO, to make recommendations where applicable, and to inform the South African Government and policy makers of the findings of this study. An extensive literature study focusing on domestic violence, general well-being and the link between the two concepts provides the theoretical basis of the study. The empirical study confirms the link between domestic violence and general well-being. A quasi-experimental research design is used in this study. The study comprises two groups, namely an experimental group (N=884) and a control group (N=125). The control group, which appears similar to the experimental group (in the sense that they also experienced domestic violence) is drawn from the same communities as the experimental group. Both groups were pre-tested (completed a first set of questionnaires). The experimental group was exposed to a treatment (the application for and granting of an IPO). Both groups were then post-tested (completed a second set of questionnaires). Two standardised questionnaires were used, namely The Abuse Disability Questionnaire (McNamara, 1999) and The Spiritual Health and Life-Orientation Measure (Gomez & Fisher, 2003). Participants in the experimental and control groups experienced all forms of domestic violence as described in the Domestic Violence Act 116 of 1998 (RSA Government Gazette, 1998). Results indicated that the IPO did not contribute significantly to the reduction in total abuse exposure, physical abuse, psychological/emotional abuse or sexual abuse, as both the experimental and control groups experienced similar changes from the first to the second measurements. The IPO was found to contribute significantly to a reduction in total impairment. On a physical level, the IPO contributes significantly to the reduction of health status issues. On a psychological level, it contributes significantly to the reduction of concern with physical harm, psychological dysfunction, life restriction and inadequate life control. On a social level, the IPO contributes significantly to a decrease in relationship disability. The IPO does not contribute to a reduction in anxiety and substance abuse as participants in both the experimental and control groups experienced similar changes from the first to the second measurements. The IPO does not contribute significantly to an increase in the personal, communal, environmental and transcendental well-being of participants in the experimental group as participants in both the experimental and control groups experienced similar changes from the first to the second measurements. “Breaking the silence” and awareness of support had a similarly positive impact on domestic violence in the control group, as did the IPO in the experimental group. This indicates that it is not only the IPO, by itself, which has a positive impact on the victims of domestic violence. There are shortcomings in the IPO and Interim Warrant of Arrest that need to be addressed. Improving the information, education and support structures, both in the courts and in the community, will empower the victims of domestic violence. Although the present research was conducted in metropolitan areas in the Western Cape in South Africa, improvements in the system that result from it will benefit all communities. The key findings of this study have already been channelled to representatives of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, the National Prosecuting Authority, the Lower Court Judiciary, Non-Governmental Organisations, South African Police Service, policy makers and other interested parties. Avenues for future research have also been opened.
The management of family routines by single, Xhosa-speaking mothers with young children
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2018-03) De Goede, Christine; Greeff, A. P.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Psychology.
ENGLISH SUMMARY: The majority (40%) of South African children are raised by single mothers. Single mothers often deal with a unique combination of social and economic stressors, putting them and their children at greater risk of a range of negative outcomes. Yet family routines can be a vital resilience resource. Routines help to maintain order and stability in the home; they foster a sense of belonging and group cohesion; and they are spaces where caretakers teach children unique context-specific competencies and values. In this grounded theory study, single (i.e. unmarried and unpartnered) Xhosa-speaking mothers (N = 26) who live in abject poverty were sampled from several peri-urban, informal settlements outside of Cape Town, South Africa. The study’s aim was to understand how these women manage their family routines after becoming parents. Semi-structured interviews (n = 21) and naturalistic home observations (n = 8) showed that routines can be hampered by maternal Intrapsychic risks (e.g. cognitive and affective difficulties such as stress and anxiety, feelings of worthlessness or psychological unpreparedness for motherhood), normative Parenting challenges (e.g. child misbehaviour or parental inexperience), Scheduling challenges (e.g. time starvation or chaotic daily rosters), Interpersonal risks (e.g. community stigma, not meeting family-of-origin expectations, or conflict with the biological father), and Economic risks (e.g. unemployment, halted education, or lack of basic needs). Yet women inherently also experienced personal growth during this phase of life and tapped into an extensive range of intra- and interpersonal competencies. The management of family routines concerned five adaptive processes: Managing maternal mental health (e.g. cognitive, affective, conative and behavioural strategies that mothers used to retain or regain positive feelings, achieve role balance, and increase motivation); Assistive parent-child actions and interactions during routines (e.g. immediate mother-child transactions within the proximal space that improved task execution and mother-child experiences); Scheduling actions (e.g. strategies that helped women manage limited resources such as time, balance packed rosters, and improve timetable stability); Managing and coordinating significant adult relationships (e.g. extra- and intrafamilial adult relationships that mothers cultivated and accessed for support); and Attenuating economic risks. The findings demonstrate the profoundly dynamic nature of the management process, highlighting key pre- and postpartum contextual obstacles, as well as powerful strengths in single-mother families. To bolster family routines, practitioners should not focus exclusively on postpartum phases of adaptation, but also consider the events that cause women’s single-parent status and the impact of these experiences on maternal mental health.
'n Program vir die huweliksontwikkeling van migrante egpare
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2007-03) Botha, Jan Adriaan Jacobus; Greeff, A. P.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Department of Psychology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study focuses on the evaluation of a programme for the marital development of migrant couples. Constructs relevant to marriage and various theories on family functioning are discussed in detail. The three variables included in most theories are adaptability, cohesion and communication, as emphasised in the Circumplex model (Olson, Sprenkle & Russel, 1979), which forms the basis for this study. The importance of marriage development through enrichment programmes is discussed, and it appears that prevention is described as the most important form of therapy. The research was divided into three phases. In phase I, 25 couples living in South Africa and 25 South African couples living in England were used. The following unique elements causing tension in marriages of migrant couples were identified: family unit, role responsibilities, spiritual, emotional and physical matters, external influences and communication. In phase II the literature was studied to determine which programmes already exist. This knowledge, in conjunction with the results of phase I of this research, was used to develop a unique programme for migrant marriages. This newly developed programme focuses on the following aspects of marriage: conflict resolution; the understanding and negotiation of the different roles in a marital relationship; the role of external factors; and physical, emotional and spiritual fulfilment in the relationship. Phase III of the research related to the presentation and evaluation of this newly developed programme in order to assess the impact thereof on the psychofortologic development of migrant couples. Participants were divided into three groups. The programme was evaluated by presenting and comparing an experimental group (10 couples living in England) with two control groups (Control Group 1, 10 couples and Control Group 2, 5 couples living in England). All three groups completed questionnaires as a pre-test. The experimental group attended the new programme, Control Group 1 received no intervention, and Control Group 2 engaged in the alternative intervention. The groups then completed questionnaires directly after the intervention and again three months later. The aspects of marriage relationships where significant development took place, were: satisfaction with religious orientation, sexual intimacy, social intimacy, and a more constructive handling of conflict. A further aspect whereby participating couples benefited from the programme was the understanding of each other's strengths and weaknesses. Some of the recommendations include that more time should be allowed to talk about priorities, and also that longer discussion times between sessions should be allowed. The program should preferably be presented as an “island situation”. An effective follow-up of participants should be incorporated into the programme. In future research it should be determined whether any existing programme addresses the specific needs of the target group. Should this not be the case, it is proposed that a new programme is developed.
A programme to enhance resilience in families in which a child has a hearing loss
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2009-12) Ahlert, Ingrid Anita; Greeff, A. P.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Psychology.
ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to identify and enhance specific resilience qualities that help protect and support families in overcoming the adversity of having a child with a hearing impairment. The study was divided into two phases, namely (a) the descriptive phase, which aimed to identify and explore the resilience qualities that foster better adaptation in these families and (b) the intervention phase, which aimed to develop, implement and evaluate an intervention programme that enhances the utilisation of social support, one important resilience quality identified in the descriptive phase of the study. The study was essentially exploratory and descriptive in nature and was directed at developing scientific knowledge and theory in the field of family resilience. Using the Resiliency Model of Family Stress, Adjustment and Adaptation (McCubbin & McCubbin, 1996) as the theoretical framework, the resilience process was mapped in terms of stressors, risk and protective factors, and family adaptation. The 54 participating families in the descriptive phase were identified according to the nature of the crisis (hearing impairment) and the developmental phase of the family. The participants were obtained by means of a non-probability, purposive sampling procedure and were drawn from the black, coloured and white cultural subgroups residing in the Western Cape, South Africa. Both quantitative and qualitative measures were used for data collection. The results were analysed predominantly according to correlation and regression analyses techniques, while the qualitative data was categorised according to themes and frequencies. Results showed that family time and routine, social support, affirming communication, family hardiness, problem-solving skills, religion, a search for meaning and accepting the disability were factors promoting resilience in these families. A randomised pretest-posttest control group design was applied in the intervention phase of the study. The 31 participants were identified in the initial phase of the study and belonged to the coloured cultural subgroup. Data was again collected using quantitative and qualitative measures and was analysed using repeated measures analysis of variance and grounded theory analysis. The results did not indicate a statistically significant change in the utilisation of social support following the implementation of the workshop. The qualitative data, however, highlighted that the participants reported greater support from the immediate and extended family, increased family time and routine, as well as improved communication and problem-solving skills following the workshop. The study generally offers valuable knowledge that can be incorporated in psychological and social training programmes, preventative community interventions and therapeutic settings. The positive and pragmatic approach adopted in the study ensures that families are empowered by bringing them hope, helping them develop new competencies and building mutual support. The study has opened various new avenues for future research in the field of family resilience and hearing impairment.
Resilience factors in single parent families affected by HIV/AIDS
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2011-12) Strauss, Werner F.; Greeff, A. P.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Psychology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The aim of the current study was to investigate factors that help single-parent families cope with the news that a family member has been diagnosed with HIV. The theoretical model that underpinned the study is the Resiliency Model of Family Stress, Adjustment and Adaptation of McCubbin and McCubbin (1996). A salutogenic perspective offers a view of human suffering that moves away from pathology to focus on factors that support successful coping, hence the focus of the current study on resilience. A cross-sectional survey research design was used, incorporating a combination method inclusive of both a qualitative and quantitative component. A total of 109 families, represented by an adult and a child, answered a qualitative question about what they considered to have helped them cope, and completing a biographical questionnaire and five questionnaires based on the theoretical model. Analyses included the Grounded Theory Method, a qualitative analysis method of Strauss and Corbin (1994; 1998), Pearson correlations and ANOVAs (for a categorical independent variable – employment status) to compute the significance of correlations between a dependent variable and a number of independent variables, and regression analysis. The results of the qualitative investigation revealed that families considered internal strength (or hardiness), social supports, communication, a sense of hope, using denial (both positive and negative behaviours to get on with life despite the presence of hardship), changing or reframing thoughts about the stressor, and material support to have been helpful. The quantitative results supported the qualitative results and showed that family hardiness (working together, viewing stressors as challenges and having a belief in own coping abilities), the availability of social support, supportive communication, use of reframing, accepting help from others and spiritual support all contributed to families functioning well under adverse conditions. It was also shown that inflaming types of communication, such as fighting and doing nothing about a crisis situation, negatively influenced the family functioning. It was interesting to note that family size had a significant, positive correlation with the parents’ views of family functioning, and that the higher the children’s level of education, the lower they rated their family functioning to be. Recommendations for further studies include a focus on resilience in various family types, a focus on families successfully coping with HIV diagnoses in their families, and the development of intervention programmes, inclusive of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
Resilience in Xhosa families
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2006-03) Smith, P. N.; Greeff, A. P.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Psychology.
This study addresses unprivileged dichotomies in an endeavour to make audible the silence surrounding Xhosa family resilience. This study is essentially descriptive and exploratory in nature and directed towards an understanding of the factors contributing to the resilience of Xhosa-speaking, rural black South African families. To contextualise the discussion a selection of theories on resilience are viewed within their cultural contexts. Western psychology’s privileging of a) the scrutiny of pathology while disregarding resilience; of b) white participants to black participants; and c) individuality to relationship centeredness and familial systems; are uncovered and a hypothetical understanding of Xhosa family resilience is construed. The line of thought culminates in the theoretical discussion and empirical exploration of The Resiliency Model of Family Stress, Adjustment and Adaptation (McCubbin, Thompson, & McCubbin, 1996). In the concluding remarks of this project an adaptation of this model, namely the Resiliency Model of Family Stress, Strength, Adjustment and Adaptation, is construed. The derived model is based on an integration of the findings of this study with resilience theory.
Veerkragtigheidskenmerke by gesinne met 'n kind met 'n leergestremdheid en die effek van 'n gesinsroetine-intervensieprogram
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2012-12) Van Vuuren, Lidia; Greeff, A. P.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Psychology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to identify and enhance specific resilience qualities within families having a child with a learning disability. The study was devided into two phases, namely the descriptive phase, which aimed to identify resilience qualities that enhance family adaptation in these families and an the intervention phase, which aimed to develop, implement and evaluate an intervention programme that enhances the utilization of family time and family routine, important qualities identified in the descriptive phase of this study. The study was essentially exploratory and descriptive in nature and directed to develop scientific knowledge and theory in the field of family resilience. The family system theory (Minuchin, 1974), serves as the theoretical departure point to determine the processes, factors and dynamics underlying the impact of learning disability on the family, while the Resiliency Model of Family Stress, Adjustment and Adaptation (McCubbin & McCubbin, 1996, 2001) was operationalised to measure resilience qualities in terms of stressors, risk, protective factors and familiy adaptation. The 110 participants in the descriptive phase were identified according to the nature of the crisis (learning disability). The study focused mainly on families residing in the Western Cape, South Africa. Quantitative and qualitative measures of investigation were used for data collection. The quantitative results were predomently analysed according to correlation and regression analyses techniques, while the qualitative data was categorized according to themes and frequencies using content analysis. Twenty one of the 24 measured independent variables positively related to the dependent variable (family adjustment). The independent variables which related positively to the dependent variable included: family time and family routine, child routines, couple togetherness, sharing meals together, parent-child togetherness, relative connection, family chores, family management , family hardiness, family commitment, family challenges, locus of control, availability and mobilizing of community sources, faith, problemsolving skills and family communication. A randomized pretest-post test control group design was applied during the intervention phase of the study. The 47 participants were identified in the initial phase of the study. Data was again collected using quantitative and qualitative measures and was analysed using repeated measures of variance analysis, post-hoc Fisher Least Significant Differece analysis and content theory analysis. The results of the intervention phase indicated statistically significant change in family adaptation following the implementation of the workshop. The results implicated that the Resiliency Model of Family Stress, Adjustment and Adaptation (McCubbin & McCubbin, 1996; 2001) may be used to map (outline) variables that are associated with family adjustment within families with a child with learning disabilites. The study opens new opportunities and possibilties for further research. Resilience factors are identified which promote family adaptation and an intervention programme was developed which can be adapted by other professionals wishing to initiate similar services. The value of such a proactive, well being orientated perpective is important within the South African context where sources and studies regarding family resilience factors and suitable intervention programmes, which involves families at risk, are limited.

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