Groepwerk met slagoffers van boeliegedrag : 'n maatskaplike werk intervensie

Abstract

The aim of this research was to use intervention research as both a framework and a strategy to develop a group work intervention for children in their late middle childhood who are victims of bullying. Bullying is a common occurrence in South African schools in the primary as well as the secondary school phases. Victims of bullying in their late middle childhood, transitioning into adolescence and progressing to secondary school, is a vulnerable group. Should these victims not learn the necessary skills and receive the support needed when exposed to bullying, their general well-being, development as well as academic progress will be stunted. Group work as a modality for social work intervention may provide significant support as well as a safe environment for victims in which they can master the necessary skills to deal effectively with bullying. This research was mainly qualitative, with four participant groups: victims of bullying and their parents and professionals such as social workers. A quantitative component forms part of the research study, utilising an ecometric instrument to conduct pre- and post-testing of the victim participants. The validity of the quantitative component is problematical, an aspect that is extensively discussed in this study. The research process was guided by intervention research phases. This culminated in an intervention for social workers, namely a group work programme for children in their late middle childhood who are victims of bullying. This intervention was based on literature, discussions with experts and the application of an intervention prototype with a group of children in their late middle childhood who are victims of bullying. The social work group work intervention for victims of bullying behaviour in their late middle childhood years is described. This intervention develops within a broad intervention process. The process is supported by various techniques aimed at process goals on the one hand, and on the other hand is directed at the handling and the effects of exposure to bullying behaviour. It is clear that the intervention cannot be applied in an inflexible manner. It should allow for individualisation and the pace of group members. The designed intervention addressed the aim of the research and answered the research question.