'n Sosiologiese sisteembenadering van oorsake en gevolge van stremminge by hoërskoolleerlinge

Abstract

The aim of this investigation was to explore the causes and effects of stress and strains on high school pupils between the age of thirteen to eighteen years who pass through phases of personality development. In order to determine the causes, symptoms and effects of stress and strains on high school pupils, a sociological analysis was made of the home, the school, the church, the peer group and the environment. The home, the school and the church were dealt with reference to the four functional problems, viz. pattern maintenance and tension management, adaptation, goal attainment and integration. A short outline of the educational responsibility of these three social sub-systems and society as a whole was given. The method which was mainly employed was to consult literature on the problem with the aim to obtain knowledge on the findings of other investigators. The data were compiled from published sources such as brochures, theses, treatises, books and other publications. The data were united into a scientific unified whole by making use of synthesis. Interviews were held with the principal of a high school, teachers, parents, the ministers of several congregations and the professional staff of a child guidance clinic. Informal talks and interviews were held with high school pupils, individually as well as in groups. Recommendations were made in order to assist all adults who are concerned with the education of high school pupils to understand their needs so that they might be given the right guidance. In conclusion it was pointed out how this guidance, assistance and service should be in terms of internalising, socialising and institutionalising of norms to equip high school pupils 'inter alia' to fulfil their individual and social r8les in society.