Doctoral Degrees (Social Work)

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Browsing Doctoral Degrees (Social Work) by Author "Els, Johanna Susanna"

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    Maatskaplikewerkhulpverlening volgens die narratiewe werkswyse aan persone wat 'n amputasie ondergaan het
    (University of the Free State, 2010-09) Els, Johanna Susanna; Du Plessis, M. J. M.
    English: An amputation is a traumatic event which has far-reaching consequences. Persons with physical disabilities are of the most vulnerable in society. In the postmodern era discourse has evolved in which the empowerment of people with disabilities, has been emphasized. The influence of postmodern epistemology, constructivism and social constructionism, had contributed to the development of the narrative approach to therapeutic intervention. The narrative approach is based on the assumption that narratives are the constructions and frameworks of concepts and beliefs by which we interpret and understand our lives. The narrative approach provides possibilities to create new meanings and alternative stories and is therefore a preferred strategy for the treatment of amputees. The research is founded in the Christian worldview and the main features of a Christian anthropology. That implies the description of the role of Christianity in the historical origins of social work, the influence on social work principles and some implications for a Christian approach to social work practice. The social worker in a Provincial regional hospital is part of a multi-disciplinary team that offers rehabilitation to amputees. Rehabilitation services focus on the improvement of the mobility and independence of people with disabilities and aim to help the person to achieve the highest possible level of physical, psychological, spiritual and social functioning. Qualitative research, namely participatory action research according to the narrative approach, is followed. The objective is the active involvement of participants to tell their problem-saturated stories and narrate their feelings and experiences, in order to develop a program for social work intervention according to the Christian approach, to amputees. Participants included amputees, significant role players in their lives and the multi-disciplinary team of a Provincial regional hospital and the story telling contributed to the development of knowledge and certain actions to improve service delivery to amputees.