Doctoral Degrees (Social Work)

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Browsing Doctoral Degrees (Social Work) by Author "Human, Melanie"

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    A biopsychosocial perspective on social work intervention to address emotional poverty of older persons in residential facilities
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2024-03 ) Human, Melanie; Slabbert, I.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Social Work.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Older persons are often referred to as the ‘forgotten generation’. However, worldwide the population is rapidly ageing. According to the World Health Organization it is estimated that by 2030 one in every eight people will be over 65. Several older persons must move to residential facilities due to unforeseen circumstances such as a deterioration in their health. Social workers form part of the multidisciplinary team that render services to older persons in residential facilities. This study explored the emotional poverty of older persons in residential facilities. Emotional poverty can be described as a condition in which an older person is lacking in the basic needs for a minimum standard of wellbeing, including biological, psychological and social aspects, with specific focus on social wellbeing. Indicators of emotional poverty are social isolation, loneliness, feelings of depression and minimal or no contact with the outside world. The goal of this study was to gain an understanding of a biopsychosocial perspective on social work intervention to address the emotional poverty of older persons in residential facilities. A qualitative approach was followed with an explorative and descriptive nature. Purposive sampling was done to obtain the sample. The sample consisted of two groups, namely 20 older persons in residential facilities and 10 social workers that render services to older persons in residential facilities. Semi-structured interview guides were utilised to collect the data. Faceto- face interviews were conducted with the participants of this study. Ethical clearance was obtained for this medium risk study before interviews commenced and all participants signed informed consent forms before interviews were conducted. Interviews were transcribed and thematic analysis was done to order the data into themes, subthemes and categories. Data were also verified in order to ensure the credibility, transferability, conformability and dependability of the study. Seven themes were identified from the data collected, namely, the reason for moving to a residential facility; physical health and the impact it has on older persons; the awareness of emotional poverty; psychological health and wellbeing; family and friends’ involvement and connection; views of residents on the residential facility and staff; and social work intervention to older persons in residential facilities. Findings from this study indicated a decline in health is the main reason for older persons moving into a residential facility and that physical health plays a significant role in the older persons’ daily functioning and emotional health. It was also found that a loss of independence affected participants’ wellbeing. Regarding the awareness of emotional poverty, it was found that most participants were not aware or familiar with this concept. It was also found that participants of group1 would often deny feelings of loneliness due to a possible stigma attached to feeling lonely as well as to avoid negative comments from fellow residents. Findings from group 2 indicated that the biopsychosocial perspective was useful to assess the wellbeing and psychological health of older persons. Another finding of the study was the invaluable role family and friends play to reduce emotional poverty of older persons in residential facilities. Findings regarding the care older persons received in the residential facilities were mostly positive, although a few participants indicated that the nursing staff were not supportive. It was also found that the social work profession plays a vital part in residential facilities to enhance the wellbeing of older persons and that social workers form a significant part of the multidisciplinary team responsible for the wellbeing of older persons in these facilities. The recommendations of the study mainly emphasised the importance of social workers to assist older persons in residential facilities to strive for high levels of gerotranscendence (the natural progression towards maturation and wisdom) as well as their important role in the multidisciplinary team to combat emotional poverty.