Perceptions of psychology : the views of key informants and primary health care service users in a peri-urban community in the Western Cape

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dc.contributor.advisorCarolissen, Ronelleen_ZA
dc.contributor.authorFortein, Bianca Euphemia Moniqueen_ZA
dc.contributor.otherUniversity of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Psychology.
dc.date.accessioned2009-03-10T12:19:30Zen_ZA
dc.date.accessioned2010-06-01T08:48:02Z
dc.date.available2009-03-10T12:19:30Zen_ZA
dc.date.available2010-06-01T08:48:02Z
dc.date.issued2009-03en_ZA
dc.descriptionThesis (MA (Psychology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009.en_ZA
dc.description.abstractThe importance of delivering psychological services, particularly in disadvantaged communities is acknowledged by policy makers. Yet, little information exists about how communities view psychologists and psychological services. This study explores how key informants and primary health care service users in a peri-urban community in the Western Cape perceive psychologists and their profession. Focus groups were conducted with primary health care service users and in-depth interviews were conducted with key informants. Results were content analysed. These results indicate that this community’s conceptualisation of psychology incorporates both Western and indigenous notions and concepts which are utilised simultaneously. Psychology is viewed positively as a profession that can aid individuals and groups in dealing with and resolving intra- and interpersonal problems and conflicts. Those with mental health problems are still subject to a great deal of stigmatisation. The fear of being labelled makes the utilisation of the services of a psychologist or other mental health professional highly unlikely in several instances. This problem is exacerbated by issues related to the availability of and access to such services, as well as the quality of available care. Nonetheless, these participants state that psychologists themselves can make a positive contribution to addressing these issues, starting with active involvement in communities and providing information regarding the nature and value of the work they do. This information is critical if we are to design and implement comprehensive intervention strategies that allow for meaningful and informed participation within communities.en_ZA
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/2406
dc.language.isoenen_ZA
dc.publisherStellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch
dc.rights.holderUniversity of Stellenbosch
dc.subjectDissertations -- Psychologyen
dc.subjectTheses -- Psychologyen
dc.subject.lcshPrimary health careen_ZA
dc.subject.lcshPsychologists -- South Africa -- Western Capeen_ZA
dc.subject.lcshPsychologists -- Attitudesen_ZA
dc.titlePerceptions of psychology : the views of key informants and primary health care service users in a peri-urban community in the Western Capeen_ZA
dc.typeThesisen_ZA
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