Die ontwikkeling en evaluering van 'n lewensvaardigheidsprogram vir milieu-geremde adolessente

Abstract

This study investigates the psychological deficits of adolescents in a milieu-restricted environment in the North-West province with the intention to introduce life skills interventions to these adolescents. It forms part of the FLAGH Study (Farm Labour, Agriculture and General Health), which succeeded the THUSA Study (Transition and Health during Urbanization in South Africa). This study (THUSA) indicated that the biopsychosocial health status of farm workers in the North-West province is very low. Literature shows that the circumstances that farm workers and their children experience daily are similar to the circumstances that characterize a milieu restricted environment. Previous research found that adolescents who grow up in these circumstances show a decrease in their psychological well-being and general happiness. The purpose of this research project was to intervene in the lives of these adolescents, by presenting a life skills programme. The aims of this study were to compile a life skills programme and to determine whether it would affect the self-concept, life satisfaction, general happiness and well-being and coping skills of the participants. It was a quantitative study, which was conducted using a two-group pre- and post-test design Adolescents in milieu restricted environments in the North-West province were randomly divided into an experimental and a control group. Participants were pre-tested with the Affectometer (AFM), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Coping Responses Inventory - Youth Form (CRI-Y) and Tennessee Self-concept scale (TSCS). The experimental group participated in the life skills programme. One month after the intervention, the post-testing of the participants took place. Findings were as follows: Adolescents who participated in the life skills programme showed significant improvements in their general happiness and well-being and total self-concept. They also showed tendencies towards improvements in the following domains: identity, self-satisfaction, physical self and personal self. Adolescents in milieu restricted environments benefit from life skills programmes. It is advisable to present life skills programmes on a regular basis thereby insuring the improvement of their skills, self -concept as well as their well-being.