Resilience in Xhosa families
Date
2006-03
Authors
Smith, P. N.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch
Abstract
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.
Description
Thesis (DPhil (Psychology))—University of Stellenbosch, 2006.
Keywords
Resilience (Personality trait), Xhosa (African people) -- South Africa -- Psychology, Rural familie South Africa --Psychology, Resiliency Model of Family Stress, Adjustment and Adaptation, Dissertations -- Psychology, Theses -- Psychology