Masters Degrees (DHS)

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Gender and other student level factors influencing the science achievement of 13- and 14-year-old Australian students
(2000) Nandjila, Mwetulundila P.
Attitudes towards performance appraisal: A case of the Ministry of Basic Education, Sports and Culture and the Ministry of Labour in Windhoek
(University of Namibia, 2000) Amunkete, S.L.
The present study presents the results of a survey that determines the current status of the employees’ attitudes towards performance appraisal in the Namibian Public Service, with specific reference to the Ministry of Basic Education, Sports & Culture and the Ministry of Labour. The performance appraisal system in question was implemented in 1997 and suspended in 1998. The study was conducted within the theoretical framework of the “three-component model” on attitudes, which was applied to performance appraisal. Against this background, the variable ‘attitudes towards performance appraisal’ was operationalised and a questionnaire was developed in order to investigate attitudes towards performance appraisal. It was hypothesised that the overall attitude of employees towards performance appraisal will be negative. Survey data collected from 136 employees supported this prediction. No significant differences were found in the employees’ attitudes towards performance appraisal regarding gender, age, income and years of employment. The study could also not find a significant difference in the two ministries. As a surprising result, significant differences in attitudes towards performance appraisal on cognitive level could be found with regard to qualification, quite in contrast to the expectations: the higher the qualification the more negative was the attitude. The results are discussed based on attempts of interpretation and recommendations for the design and implementation of a performance appraisal system.
The relationship between locus of control and the big five personality dimensions among black managers in Namibia
(University of Namibia, 2001) Nuuyoma, Beata K.
This study investigated the relation of locus of control to the “big five” personality dimensions (Neuroticism, Extraversion, Openness to Experience, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness) for 36 black managers in the private and semi-state organizations in Namibia. Spector’s (1988) work locus of control scale and the Revised NEO Personality Inventory were used to assess locus of control and the big five factors, respectively. It was hypothesized that external locus of control would correlate with low scores on Neuroticism and high scores on Extraversion, Openness to Experience, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness. Contrary to the hypothesis, internal locus of control correlated significantly (p < .05) with high scores on Extraversion, Openness to Experience, and Agreeableness. The correlation coefficients for Conscientiousness and Neuroticism did not reach statistical significance. The sample reported an internal locus of control. Although the sample’s mean scores for all the five factors fell in the average range, the sample had relatively higher mean scores on Conscientiousness and Extraversion, and relatively lower mean score on Agreeableness than the normative sample. The mean scores for Neuroticism and Openness to Experience did not differ much from that of the normative sample. The results of this study are, in most cases, consistent with findings of studies that investigated the same or similar personality traits, which suggest relevancy of personality constructs investigated in this study among research participants. The results are discussed in context of their relation to the findings of previous studies and controversy over cultural portability of personality assessment instruments in general. Suggestions and recommendations for future research and practice of personality assessment in work context are discussed.
The psychological repercussions of unemployment: A study of Windhoek's "street unemployment"
(2001) Gonzo, Webster
This thesis sought to investigate unemployment from a psychological perspective in an African country in general, and in Namibia in particular. The research question aimed to investigate what the situation of Namibia's "street unemployed" (men who wait at certain street points to be picked up for a day-job) entails and what its psychological repercussions are. Seligman's reformulated Theory of Learned Helplessness was chosen as the theoretical framework for the study. The empirical investigation followed a qualitative-quantitative research approach. In the qualitative part of the study ten "street unemployed" were interviewed and evaluated through Qualitative Content Analysis. Based on the outcomes a questionnaire was developed for the quantitative part of the study which was answered by 160 respondents. Amongst others the results of the study have shown that most of Namibia's "street unemployed" are youth or young adults who lack education and vocational training. Many of them have either never been fully employed before or are long-term unemployed. Their psychological well-being is characterised by high levels of stress experience about not having a job and about their financial and social network situation. Of major concern should be the fact that 66.3% of the respondents scored on a low level of self-esteem, and that 95% of the respondents showed signs of depression. The results of the study not only challenge some of the findings usually found in western countries (for instance, regarding job seeking behaviour) but also Seligman's theory. It became clear that Windhoek's "street unemployed" do not follow the classical patterns of causal attribution which are assumed to cause depression. Contrary to the expectations the results rather indicate support for the notion that it is not uncontrollability per se which could cause the depression but the stress linked to it.
Time perspective and identity
(University of Namibia, 2001) Janik, Manfred
Time perspective is the subjective perception a person holds about his/her past, present and future. Past, present and future are regarded as the dimensions of time perspective. All experiences/events are sorted into the dimensions and are called "contentss" of time perspective. The events/experiences of the different dimensions of time perspective are connected to each other, which provides the person with a perception of continuity over the life span. A perception of continuity over the life span is crucial for identity formation. However, certain factors can prevent the connection between the dimensions of time perspective. A person then "freezes" within one dimension. It was anticipated that past, political circumstances and poverty might "freeze" many Namibians in one dimension of time perspective, which would affect the collective Namibian identity as well. Therefor, the objective of this study was to investigate the contents of time perspectives of Namibians and then draw conclusions about the relevance of time perspective for a collective Namibian identity. The research question was: what contents of time perspectives can be found in Namibia, how can that contents be characterized and does this contents indicate a subjective sense of life continuity? A qualitative study was conducted. Four middle-age interviewees from four different socio-economic classes were selected. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in English with these interviewees. The interviews were tape recorded and transcribed according to the transcription rules of Mayring (1997). The interviews were analyzed with the Summarizing Qualitative Contents Analysis of Mayring (1997). An investigation of the time perspectives of four Namibians from different socio-economic classes showed that all four interviewees experienced an interplay between their past, present and future dimensions. Therefor the interviewees experienced their own lives as a continuity. From these findings of the time perspectives of the four interviewees, hypotheses can be drawn as to the relevance of time perspective for a collective Namibian identity.
A study on family and caregiver support to psychiatric patients in Katutura: A psychiatric social work perspective
(University of Namibia, 2002) Ananias, Janetta A.
De-institutionalization brought with it a shift in the care taking of psychiatric patients from institutional care to community care. As a result, people with mental illnesses have to rely on families for support and care. Existing literature in the field of psychiatry tend to over concentrate on the well-being of the mentally ill, while the experiences of caregivers are understudied. This exploratory study was designed to investigate family and caregivers support to psychiatric patients. The objectives of this study were to determine the nature and extent of family support which psychiatric patients receive, investigated the need for family and caregivers support amongst psychiatric patients, and also searched for options to improve family and caregiver support. The purposive sample method was employed to select fourty- five family caregiver of psychiatric patients who lives in Katutura. The hospital files of all the psychiatric patients whose families formed part of the sample was studied, contact details of the family caregivers as well as some background information of the ill person was recorded. A structured interview schedule consisting of both closed and open-ended questions was used as an instrument for data collection, and in-depth interviews took place with family caregivers. Other methods of data collection were focus group discussions as well as discussions with key informants. A pilot study was undertaken before the actual data collection with the sample population. The data were processed manually and are presented in tables, graphs and charts. The findings indicate that families provide in the basic needs of the mentally ill person, such as shelter, food and clothing. Families were less likely to provide in emotional support to the mentally ill. The study also found that family caregivers do not have much contact with mental health professionals, and they lack knowledge on mental illness. The results suggest that the relationship between mental health professionals and family caregivers need to be strengthened in order to address the needs of family caregivers. Effective intervention by mental health professionals should focus on both the family and the mentally ill, and should be based on a positive attitude towards the family caregivers of psychiatric patient. Education campaigns to people with mental illnesses, family caregivers and the community at large need to be embarked upon. Further studies on family and caregiver support need to investigate the family caregivers of mentally ill patients who have been diagnosed with a specific mental illness.
Music in therapy and loneliness in the elderly
(University of Namibia, 2003) Vermaak, Talita
SUMMARY: In this study the aim was to determine whether elderly people are lonely. The researcher also wanted to determine whether music in therapy is a suitable mode of therapy to alleviate or lessen loneliness. This study was conceived as the author felt that this creative mode may be able to achieve what other modes of therapy cannot do, namely transcend the limitations of language or provide a vantage point for the therapeutic process. The study focused on elderly people, as the elderly may be a neglected group as far as research in Namibia is concerned. The elderly may come from a generation where it is not as acceptable to talk about one’s problems. It seems as if they are reluctant to seek psychological help, therefore they may not always report their loneliness. Intuitively the researcher recognises the pleasure and personal value experienced through music and thought it to be an appropriate therapeutic vehicle. An intervention study was done. As part of the quantitative research a loneliness scale was administered to a sample of eight elderly from two old age homes in Windhoek. After this, the music in therapy therapeutic intervention using music as a tool took place and the loneliness scale was administered again. A semi-structured interview was used to add a qualitative flavour. This created a more personalised view and generated a deeper understanding of the topic. The intervention included music, which was familiar and soothing. One of the aims of the intervention was to let the elderly reminisce about the past. The experience of feelings and relaxation through music was also included in the intervention and possible communication with other members of the old age home was encouraged through this process. They seem to employ effective strategies to curb this loneliness, like for instance reminiscence. It is also suggested that their repertoire of skill increases with age as sustainability of manoeuvres becomes problematic. It further seems as if the music therapy intervention may have lessened some of the feelings of loneliness and thus contributed to the wellbeing of the elderly involved in this study. Music may provide a more sustainable manoeuvre to curb loneliness. Music in therapy may also enhance the quality of life especially in the lives of the elderly.
Models of institutional care for the elderly in Namibia: With a case study of Sweden
(University of Namibia, 2003) Dima, Edith M.
The Namibian family has always cared for elderly people, but it is beginning to fail due to modernisation factors. Institutionalisation of elderly people is becoming another form of elderly care in Namibia. The question arises as to what model of institutional care is appropriate for the majority of elderly Namibians. Modernisation factors such as urbanisation and changing family structures, for example nuclearisation of families, weaken the extended family; contribute to changing attitudes and adoption of new ideas in society. Thus modernisation theory of ageing is used to explain what model of OAH would be appropriate for the majority of elderly Namibians. This thesis investigates institutional care for the elderly in Khomas, Erongo, Kunene and Otjozondjupa regions of Namibia; determines what socio-economic factors influence levels and types of care given to the elderly, and assesses areas for improvement. Objectives of the study are: to assess attitudes of the elderly towards institutionalisation; to determine an appropriate model of OAH; and to assess the welfare policy vis-à-vis operation of OAHs. The hypothesis is that ‘socio-economic factors in the Namibian society determine levels and types of care given to the elderly and necessitate a model of institutional care that is adapted to local conditions’. The methodology involved administering a questionnaire to 238 elderly respondents, conducting thirty-one key informant interviews and collecting four elderly case studies. A case study of elderly care in Sweden forms part of the literature study. Major findings indicate five models of OAHs operating in the study areas. Economic factors determine how the models have evolved and how they operate. Attitudes are changing towards acceptance of OAHs but to target the elderly without families. Model III OAH supported by the municipality presents the most appropriate attributes as an alternative to family care. Other possibilities exist, such as assisted living, but are not operated in Namibia. Factors determining levels and types of care include family care; the elderly’s financial status, the model of OAH; caregiver training and support; information dissemination; gender-related care; social policy and government support. Main conclusions include a need to support the family to continue its eldercare role; caregiver support and training; improvement of the elderly’s financial status; and information dissemination. Recommendations include promotion of family elderly care, municipal involvement in the operation of OAHs and periodic studies to update information on conditions of the elderly so as to aid policy and programme formulation.
The relationship between shame and violence among male perpetrators in the Windhoek central prison - An exploratory study
(University of Namibia, 2004) Steenkamp, Sanmari
This study aimed at shedding light on shame and its relationship to violence, especially among offenders who repeatedly commit violent crimes. Questions revolving around the type of relationships or bonds offenders had with their caretakers as a child and its possible consequences were answered, leading to interpretations regarding the relationship between shame and with violence. The Social Bond Theory served as the theoretical framework for the sample. Subjects were chosen on the basis of predefined characteristics that included male perpetrators between the ages of 21 and 39 years; having committed several physical violent crimes; and being imprisoned for these crimes; are regularly in conflict with other prison inmates or staff; have continuous difficulties resolving conflicts; show characteristics of a low self-esteem; and were at the Windhoek Central Prison for these crimes, at the time of conducting the study. The study was of a qualitative nature and data were generated by conducting individual, video-recorded, semi-structured interviews with three offenders at the offices of the Windhoek Central Prison. Each interview lasted approximately one hour. The recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysis involved Phillip Mayring’s (1983, in Plattner, 2001) Qualitative Content Analysis. The Summarising Content Analysis technique was used. Together with the content analysis, Retzinger’s (1991; 1995, in Scheff, 1997) list of verbal and nonverbal cues to hidden shame and anger was applied by observing the recorded material. The two methods were integrated in the interpretation to reach conclusive results based on the assumptions of the Social Bond Theory. Some difficulties experienced during the interviews and analysis of material, were for example language, and some content may have been lost during translation of the recorded material. A lack of sufficient opportunity for offenders to express themselves, also had an influence on the quality of relevant information obtained. Findings were very much in agreement with the Social Bond Theory and indicated that violent offenders are generally shame-based individuals. A need for further studies in the field of shame and violence, became apparent. The study also indicated a need to develop programs that could assist offenders in acknowledging and dealing with unacknowledged or toxic shame. Such programs could also be implemented at a school level, helping to identify and treat shame-based children, already at an early stage of development.
Psychological impact of premarital pregnancy on women's identity: A study of young adult women in rural Owambo communities
(University of Namibia, 2004) Haidula, Lea O.
The aim of this study was threefold. Firstly, it aimed to find out how single, young adult women in rural Owambo communities appraised their premarital pregnancy at that time when they found out they were pregnant and subsequent reappraisals thereof. Secondly, it intended to investigate whether these women feel stigmatized, isolated and marginalized. Thirdly, the study also aimed at examining how the past and present perceptions of their premarital pregnancy have contributed to how they understand themselves today. The general research question for this study was: ‘Does premarital pregnancy impact on/affect a woman’s identity?’. In an attempt to answer this question and the above objectives, 5 women were recruited and interviewed. Only 2 of the interviews were translated, transcribed and used in the data presentation, analysis and discussion stages. In recruiting these women, the snowball technique was applied. The criteria for this sample was that women should have been aged between 22 and 40 years at the time they became pregnant, are employed and should have been working at the time they became pregnant, should still be single and have only one child aged from 2 years. Whitbourne’s (1985) model of the Psychological Construction of the Life-Span formed the basis for the theoretical conceptualization of this study. The study used the qualitative paradigm and employed the discourse analysis methodology as proposed by Ian Parker (1992) in its data analysis and data discussion phases. Since the study was an exploratory one in nature, it was not possible to draw definite conclusions from the data. However, indications are that immediate appraisals of a premarital pregnancy could range from being regrettable to being catastrophic. The data also seem to indicate that the more a “never-married-woman-with-children” identifies with the universal expectations of motherhood as tied to wifehood, the more she might feel stigmatized, isolated and marginalized in the event that she cannot meet this norm. The data also seem to indicate that competing discourses in present day Namibian society in general and Owambo communities in particular might lead to “never-married-women-with-children” in these communities expressing a self-identity that is torn in different directions. Overall, the study demonstrates how language reproduces and maintains culture and power in changing Owambo communities.
Career choice: A challenge for high school students
(University of Namibia, 2004) Mbwale, Sarah V.
This thesis investigates career choice from an industrial-psychological perspective in Namibia. The research question aimed to investigate whether Namibian youth are aware of the need to make career choice and whether they do make conscious career decisions. To assess career development and choice of students, Super’s Career Development Theory was employed as the theoretical framework for this study. Only students in Grade 12 from two previous disadvantaged schools in Windhoek were selected by means of the convenience sampling method (total sample was N = 101). The study employed a quantitative research approach. Findings revealed that respondents who would like to study further were ready to choose a career. The findings showed a significant correlation (r = 0.40; p 0. 001) between respondents who would like to study further in order to obtain their future goals and the readiness to make a career choice. However, respondents felt that they needed more information about themselves, their abilities and capabilities, weaknesses and strengths, as well as information about who they are in order to make conscious career decisions. Findings also revealed that there is a correlation (r = 0.31; p 0.04) between age and how the respondents carry out their responsibilities at present. The younger respondents felt less sure about their capability in carrying out their responsibilities. The study also found a correlation (r = 0.40; p 0.001) between satisfaction in carrying out responsibilities and having confidence in carrying out future career related tasks. Findings also revealed that there is a correlation (r = 0.30; p = 0.35) between self-awareness and awareness of own strength and weakness. The findings of the study indicated that career guidance should be deemed as a necessity and not as a luxury for the benefit of the youth. Schools, students, parents, government, public and private sectors should recognise the importance of career guidance and education, if change in our working environment is desired, in order to reduce unemployment in the country and promote expectation of high quality of life for every individual and as a nation. Only then will our people’s potential be useful to the development of Namibia.
Social factors influencing crime - armed robbery - in Windhoek from 1997 - 2000
(University of Namibia, 2005) Sandema, Rector
This study aimed at investigating the relationship between social factors and crime (armed robbery) in Windhoek from 1997-2000. More specifically it aimed at investigating ways socio-demographic and socio-economic factors such as age, sex, residential area, employment, education, etc influence armed robbery in Windhoek. This study also reviewed literature and relevant biological, psychological and sociological theories pertinent to crime and armed robbery. The study used qualitative and quantitative methods. About 243 police dockets on armed robbery provided quantitative data, while 20 key informant interviews with law enforcement and administration of justice officers provided the qualitative data. Among the major findings were: ethnicity and crime (armed robbery) are not significantly related. Pearson correlations showed very weak relationship r = 0.108; P ≥ 0.05. Key informant and the literature (e.g. Mann, 1993) also pointed out that one does not need to belong to any particular ethnic group to commit a crime, but that crime was a colorless phenomenon There was a significant relationship between age and armed robbery (r = 0.015; P ≤ 0.05). Key informants also indicated that age was a real factor as most robbers were young people in the range of 18 - 30 years of age. The research results also found that employment was not a strong influence on armed robbery in Windhoek (r = 0.12; P≥ 0.05). As a matter of fact cross tabulations revealed that the least educated (those with less than secondary school education) and the very educated (post secondary school graduates) were less involved in armed robbery. Most robbers were secondary school leavers who have either dropped out of school from Grade 8 or have passed Grade 12 but cannot find a job or be admitted to any learning institution. The results showed a strong connection between residential area and crime (r = 0.216; P≤ 01). Area of residence in this case really a proxy for poverty as people who commit most armed robberies are from poorer areas. The study also showed that males committed all the robberies in Windhoek. The study results revealed foreigners were less involved in armed robbery in Windhoek.
The psychological outcomes of homophobic discourse on gay men
(2006) Mensah, Edwina E.
Determinants of adolescent drinking
(2007) Diedericks, James
Drinking in Namibia became so pronounced that it has been addressed as a national concern in multimedia campaigns. This study assessed the utility of Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to predict and explain alcohol intentions amongst selected adolescents in Namibia, and in particular to assess the relative contribution of individual and normative constructs in the TPB. A total of 98 (multiple R = >0.3) secondary school learners participated in the study. Elicitation interviews were conducted and data were evaluated by means of content analysis. The analysis formed the basis for the development of a questionnaire that measure TPB constructs. A questionnaire was administered to 100 adolescents (54% female and 46% male). Data were analyzed by means of multiple linear regression. The predictive utility of the model was confirmed: it accounted for 24% of the variance in intention to drink. There was a significant multivariate F for the main constructs of the model [F(3,94) = 9.703 , p <0.01]. A non - significant multivariate F for the effects of the construct "perceived behavioural control" was obtained. The positive regression coefficients obtained [attitudes (beta= .407, p < 0.05) and subjective norms (beta = .255, p <0.05] imply that intention to drink was greater for learners with positive drinking attitudes and high scores on the "friend" scale of subjective norms. Attitudes, subjective norms and current drinking status accounted for 31 % of variance in intention [F(6,96) =22.577, p <0.05]. Structural modelling results provide support for the predictive utility of the TPB (RMSEA = .912). Whether the constructs measured in this study correspond to TPB constructs measured in developed countries need to be affmned by empirical evidence. The findings offer ll1 empirical evidence, supporting interventions that penetrate community networks. The study highlights the extent to which alcohol attitudes and behaviours are embedded in family/social contexts.
The need and use of community library services in Namibia
(2008) Niskala, Ritva
The overall aim of this study is to investigate the use of community libraries in Namibia. The study aims at finding solid data on the actual use of community libraries, who needs them and what do they need them for. Main questions addressed in the study are as follows: (i) Who are the users of Namibian community libraries? (ii) For which purposes do people use the services provided by community libraries? (iii) In which ways do the users´ demographic characteristics relate to the purposes of use? (iv) Which are the main usage patterns of the community libraries? (v) What are the needs for the development of the services of community libraries based on the suggestions and problems experienced by library users? The study was carried out as a survey in three community libraries in North-Central Namibia. The libraries were chosen to represent community libraries in the previously disadvantages regions to represent the majority of Namibian population and provide information on emerging user needs and usage patterns. The empirical data on demographic characteristics of all users and services used in those libraries was gathered during six days in October-November 2003. The data was analysed using frequencies of variables and a their cross tabulation. The working hypothesis of the study was that Namibian community libraries have changed from the pre-independence Anglo-American model of recreational and cultural institution and lending library mainly used for leisure reading and borrowing out fiction and hobby type of books, to a primarily educational institution. The hypothesis was clearly supported by the data on the users and usage patterns from the case libraries. Almost 70% of the users in the three case libraries were learners and students. Community library was mainly used as a learning place, to study and do school work in the library. The other main functions used by varied groups of the community were photocopy service and public ICT access. Although lending continued to be a way of using the library it was not the major usage pattern. 64% of users did not borrow books and only 1.5% of clients used the library only for borrowing. The main usage pattern of the community library as a study place and the most popular resources: textbooks, photocopy service and public ICT access, were interpreted to respond to important educational and socio-economic needs of Namibian communities.
Psycho-Social factors in voluntary counselling and testing(VCT)
(2009) Dzinotyiweyi, Edington; ;
Abstract provided by author
The relationship between emotional intelligence and leadership among middle managers in Namibia
(2010) Hoffmann, Birgit
Abstract providced by author
Study of sex trafficking in Namibia
(2010) Kiremire, Merab K.
The researcher investigated the existence, prevalence and causes of trafficking for sexual exploitation in Namibia, as well as its impact and effects on both its victims and society as a whole. Due to the complexity and dangerous nature of her topic of study, she utilised a unique method in which she identifies and capacitates specific members of the study's target group to lead her into areas which would otherwise be too difficult for her to reach and involving them in data collection
Quality of life of individuals suffering from spinal cord injury in Namibia
(2010) Sinkala, Ute; ; ;
Abstract provided by author
Discources of experience of pregnancy in low income women attending Katutura and Central hospitals' antenatal clinics in Windhoek
(2010) Eysselein, Maika; ; ;

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